UW researchers have found that recently launched Nike+iPod technology can be a potentially dangerous invasion of privacy.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit consists of a sensor that is placed in the sole of the Nike shoe and a receiver that plugs into the bottom of the iPod Nano. The receiver tracks the pace while the Nano gives an audio report of time, distance and calories burned.

Nike shoes are able to send a signal like a wireless radio to iPods that track the distance a runner has gone. However, this signal can be received by any tracking device within a 60-feet range.

"I had been using [the Nike+iPod Sport Kit] for a couple months and was concerned about how it worked," leading UW researcher Scott Saponas said.

A unique identifier can trace where a person goes or has gone. This information can then be mapped or recorded into a database by people with malicious intent, such as stalkers or thieves.

"Over the course of the next few weeks, we discovered the product did not completely preserve privacy, and built tools to show how it could be exploited," Saponas said.

Saponas and fellow researchers were also able to develop an attachment that allowed a computer with Windows XP to receive signals through the USB port. This way, virtually any computer with wireless Internet capability could track runners.

The research team was also able to map where runners were going on Google Maps and convert the iPod Nano into a surveillance device.

Surveillance iPods are sold on eBay for about $100.

The research report by Sapona's team stated that a Wi-Fi enabled Nike+iPod surveillance device could be built for fewer than $250.

The Nike+iPod Sport Kit costs $29.

"Since our report was released, a company [Spark Fun Electronics] has released a USB device, application and source code that allows people to use the Nike+iPod Sport Kit the way we described," Saponas said.

To prevent malicious people from being able to use the sensor as a surveillance device, the Nike+iPod sensor should be turned off when not in use. There has not yet been a way to protect the privacy of the user while the device is used.

Despite the potential growth of Nike+iPod surveillance use, the device can still be a useful exercise tool.

Although Apple advertises the product, the Nike+iPod technology is by Nike.

"The Nike+iPod Sport Kit is a great and fun product," a Nike representative said. "It allows you to upload your stats as well as look at how far other people all over the world are running."

Reach reporter Victoria Lee at news@thedaily.washington.edu.