ASTIV Classification Framework

A five-level scale for classifying WiFi sensing capabilities and their privacy implications.

The Problem

WiFi sensing is an emerging technology that allows WiFi infrastructure to detect physical phenomena such as movement, presence, or vital signs. Unlike video surveillance, WiFi sensing operates invisibly: users cannot detect when it is active, understand what information is being extracted, or take protective measures. At the same time, operators lack a common vocabulary to describe what their systems can do, and regulators have no reference framework to assess compliance.

The Idea

ASTIV provides a simple, memorable five-level scale that maps WiFi sensing capabilities to labels. Inspired by established classification standards in video surveillance, ASTIV enables operators, regulators, and users to communicate clearly about sensing capabilities and their privacy implications. Each level corresponds to a distinct set of technical capabilities and escalating GDPR requirements.

The Scale

To support user awareness in public spaces, ASTIV includes a set of visual icons that communicate the sensing level of a deployed system at a glance, similar to existing signage requirements for video surveillance.

Work in Progress

ASTIV is an ongoing research effort. The icons and the scale itself are continuously being refined based on feedback from the research community, regulators, and practitioners. The current release (Version 0.8) represents the state of the framework as published at IWPE 2026. We intend to continue developing and improving the scale and welcome feedback and contributions from the community.

Downloads

ASTIV Icons v0.8 (CC BY 4.0)

How to cite

If you use the ASTIV icons in your work, please cite them as:

Osenstätter, K. & Krempel, E. (2026). ASTIV Icons (Version 0.8). Retrieved from ASTIV Website. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.