China syndromeChina developed gait biometrics device to identify passers-by covertly

Published 7 December 2010

Chinese scientists have developed a unique biometrics device, probably for the military, which uses a person’s pace to identify them covertly, according to a confidential U.S. cable leaked by WikiLeaks; the device can be covertly installed in a floor or sidewalk and is able to collect biometrics data on individuals covertly without their knowledge

The Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) Institute of Intelligent Machines (IIM) in Hefei, capital of Anhui province, has developed a biometrics device that uses a person’s pace to identify them, a cable sent from the U.S. embassy in Beijing was quoted as saying by the whistle-blower website WikiLeaks.

The device measure weight and two-dimensional sheer forces applied by a person’s foot during walking to create a uniquely identifiable biometrics profile. The device can be covertly installed in a floor and is able to collect biometrics data on individuals covertly without their knowledge.”

When questioned about the device’s potential applications, IIM officials stated the device was being used by ‘secret’ customers and was not available on the commercial market,” according to the leaked cable published in the Guardian newspaper.

Zeenews reports that IIM also said they were involved with China’s “Program 863.” Program 863 is China’s national high-technology development plan that includes both military and civilian technology development programs.

Therefore, it is likely the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is one of the customers for whom this biometrics device was developed,” the U.S. cable says.