WiFi connection location sharing

UCI's Office of Information Technology (OIT) provides WiFi network service to the campus. When a device (smartphone, laptop, etc.) connects to WiFi, OIT collects data about the device including its identity, WiFi access point, and date & time. This data is used for operational purposes. Only connection data is saved; no information transmitted over the network is collected or shared.  The University of California Electronic Communications Policy protects your privacy.

Data Sharing

Beginning in May 2019 anonymized WiFi connection data is being shared with researchers. The anonymized data is not personally identifiable. You can opt out of this sharing. No information transmitted over the connection is collected or shared.

What data is shared?

WiFi device identity (MAC address) access point location and date & time are collected, anonymized and shared with researchers. The anonymized data cannot be used to identify a device or an individual user of the network.

Who is the data shared with?

In partnership with the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, a subset of the WiFi connection data will be provided to the TIPPERS research group. 

TIPPERS is a UCI research project exploring the privacy challenges of using smartphones and other smart devices in smart spaces, by collecting and analyzing sensor data and offering smart services based on these data.

Why is data being shared?

The shared data will be used to help make practical decisions relating to a wide range of campus operations. For example, the data can be analyzed to determine whether a space is heavily occupied and needs increased ventilation, whether fire code violations are taking place, or even to support emergency evacuations. Many other uses have already been explored and more will become apparent as research evolves.

What locations are included?

A limited number of buildings on the main campus are included. No data from any other buildings or campuses will be shared.

Buildings included as of January 2021:

  • Bren Hall
  • Calit2
  • Computer Sciences
  • Computer Sciences 2
  • Engineering & Computing Trailer
  • Engineering Gateway
  • Engineering Hall
  • Engineering Lab Facility
  • Engineering Tower
  • Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building
  • Natural Sciences I
  • Natural Sciences II
  • Reines Hall
  • Rockwell Engineering Center
  • Rowland Hall

Opt out

If you do not want your anonymized WiFi connection data to be used in this way, you can click here to opt out or contact the OIT Help Desk (oit@uci.edu or 949-824-2222) stating that you would like to opt out. If you choose to opt out, no WiFi connection data generated by any devices you specify will be shared with researchers.

More information

Please contact the OIT Help Desk if you have any questions or concerns.