In our ultra-connected world, we carry a countless amount of information in just our pockets. RFID (radio frequency identification) chips containing personal information are in our cell phones, credit cards, and passports. Information from these chips can be used for anything from determining how to change a store’s layout to stealing someone’s identity.

Privacy advocates and government agencies alike have started using signal-blocking fabrics, fabrics that have metals interwoven to make them block RFID signals attempting to go through them. These fabrics are becoming popular with people who wish to avoid big data collection or “being on the grid.”

Our mission is to explore the sociotechnical systems embedded in and surrounding these signal blocking fabrics. Keep up with us on our social media, and check back for blog updates!