ISLAMABAD: Researchers developing next-generation 6G mobile networks say the technology could go far beyond faster internet speeds, potentially allowing networks to detect people, objects and movement in their surroundings.
However, privacy experts warn that these capabilities could create significant challenges if strong safeguards are not built into the technology from the beginning.
The emerging technology, known as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), is being considered as a key component of the future 6G framework, referred to as IMT-2030. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has identified integrated sensing as one of the possible applications of future mobile networks.
Unlike current mobile networks, which mainly transmit voice, messages and data, ISAC-enabled systems would analyze radio signals after they interact with objects in the environment. By studying how these signals reflect off people, vehicles, walls and other surfaces, networks could estimate the location, distance, speed and movement of objects in a way similar to radar technology.
German federal and state data protection authorities raised concerns in a position paper issued in June 2026, warning that future wireless devices could potentially function as radar-like sensors. These devices could include smartphones, Wi-Fi access points and mobile base stations.
Researchers have already explored how radio signals can detect extremely small physical movements, including chest movements caused by breathing. Previous experiments have also examined the possibility of detecting a person’s presence, breathing patterns and even heartbeat through walls using radio-based sensing techniques.
Experts, however, emphasize that these capabilities remain in the research phase and do not mean that all future commercial 6G networks will automatically include such features.
The concept of using wireless signals for sensing is not entirely new. Research groups have previously developed systems using Wi-Fi and other radio technologies that can track human movement without cameras or wearable sensors. The goal of 6G research is to integrate these abilities directly into mobile network infrastructure to improve accuracy and reliability.
If successfully developed, ISAC technology could have applications in several fields. In healthcare, it could allow hospitals to monitor patients’ breathing and physical movements without attaching sensors to their bodies. Emergency response teams could use the technology to locate people trapped under debris after disasters or accidents.
Smart homes could also benefit from the technology by enabling monitoring systems for elderly residents, detecting falls and improving safety without relying on cameras. Other possible uses include industrial automation, smart buildings, vehicle detection, collision prevention, security monitoring and environmental sensing.
Despite these potential benefits, privacy remains one of the biggest concerns surrounding the technology. Since ISAC systems could detect a person’s presence and movements without direct interaction or visible cameras, experts warn that misuse could threaten individual privacy.
Germany’s data protection authorities have called for privacy protection to be a central requirement while developing global standards for ISAC technology. Researchers are also exploring solutions that would allow users to disable sensing features, know when sensing is active, and control who can access collected data and how it is used.
Security is another major challenge, as future networks could gather sensitive information about people’s movements and surroundings. Experts say strong protections will be necessary to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of such data.
For now, 6G remains under development. Initial technical specifications for IMT-2030 were established by the ITU in February 2026, yet the evaluation, standardization, and approval process has not been concluded. The approval of 6G radio systems is anticipated later on in the decade.
It is emphasized that the ability to detect movement in humans, monitor respiration, and sense objects obstructed by obstacles is an experimental one. Prior to their incorporation into common networks, additional research, testing, and privacy protection measures are needed.
