// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did SignalTrace say to its friend? You're tracing the wrong signal.
SignalTrace is a technology developed by Italian aerospace, defense and security company Leonardo.
History
[edit]In 2024, a patent was granted to Leonardo for technology that allowed for detecting of electronic signatures from devices of targeted individuals. It is meant to upgrade and be used with the company's Elsag Automatic License Plate Readers.[1]
SignalTrace was previously marketed as Elsag Eoc Plug. The product has been used in over 25 countries as to date[2]
Mechanism
[edit]The technology can capture device data even without visible license plates. It does so without decrypting the contents of data in the device and instead relies on the publicly broadcast signals of the devices.[3][4] Device signatures it can detect are bluetooth wearables, fitness trackers, laptops, vehicle components, RFID signals, wifi-hotspots, pet micro-chips and mobile phones as some of the items listed on their product data sheet. This information is then linked with other devices along with the vehicle with time-stamps and location data and stored for law enforcement to search up.[5]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Leonardo US Cyber and Security Solutions receives a patent for their new electronic signature tracking system for law enforcement". May 30, 2024.
- ↑ Gallagher, William (24 June 2026). "Cops will soon upgrade to license plate readers that can track your iPhone and AirPods in public". AppleInsider.
- ↑ Velasco, E. R. (10 June 2026). "Leonardo's SignalTrace could let police plate readers track your devices". the deep dive.
- ↑ Ismail, Adam (17 June 2026). "License Plate Cameras Will Soon Track Phones, Wearables, Infotainment, and Even Your Pets". The Drive.
- ↑ Cox ·, Joseph (8 June 2026). "This Company Will Add Phone, AirPod, and Smartwatch Trackers to License Plate Readers". 404 Media. Archived from the original on June 8, 2026.