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falcor84last Tuesday at 6:02 AM1 replyview on HN

> In what way, if supplied by the bank and used only for contacting the bank to do banking, could a device become a spy instrument?

Here's my attempt at future history: Firstly they'll require you to prove your current location, to ensure that the request isn't made by a remote hacker; they'll do this by integrating their own cellular modem, as well as scanning local wi-fi networks. Then, at a second phase, they'll integrate a camera and microphone to perform a face identification, asking you to speak out a particular phrase while performing a particular motion. At the start they'll only require you to turn the mic and camera on during active usage, but eventually they'll say that these have to stay on continuously so that they can ensure that the device wasn't tempered with. And if we aren't careful, we'll accept every single small added requirement, until we're boiled alive.


Replies

card_zerolast Tuesday at 8:10 AM

If it was normal and expected that you carry the device around, to make purchases with, then all that would be very bad, and it becomes like a phone but worse in some ways (less ownership over it) and better in others (does not contain other personal data).

However, if it sits at home in a drawer, it can keep its camera on all it likes, transmitting images of darkness, and tell the bank repeatedly where your home address is, and sometimes (when in use) confirm what your face looks like. Not a privacy issue I think?

Probably it would become expected that you carry the thing around and it replaces cash and cards, but that seems to me to be the crucial step if it's going to have meaningful potential for spying.