Might Be A Spy
by Yoki Lee Yung Ki
Might Be a Spy is an art project which aims to address the vulnerability of smart-devices charging through USB connections. It presents an earthy, yet conceptually distant and unenlightened technological threat as an actual experience to users. Thus, by giving an example of low-tech, analog solutions to tackle digital pitfalls, it explores the inherent tension between physicality and conceptuality of computer technologies.
The project make use of Processing as the interface output, and USBDeview as the source of USB connection status. A .txt file containing information of only connected devices with serial numbers are generated from USBDeview.exe. Hence, a Processing sketch takes the file as an input and executes conditional commands. When there are no smart-devices connected or connections are made through a USB condom, the screen shows an image with a "Charge Me" message; while when a smart-device is connected directly (without the USB condom), the screen shows a set of playful images to indicate the possibility of non-consent data-transfer. For the physical part, a USB condom is made by simply connecting the corresponding power lines of the male and female USB drive together. The two pins in between are soldered together respectively on both drives.
The project make use of Processing as the interface output, and USBDeview as the source of USB connection status. A .txt file containing information of only connected devices with serial numbers are generated from USBDeview.exe. Hence, a Processing sketch takes the file as an input and executes conditional commands. When there are no smart-devices connected or connections are made through a USB condom, the screen shows an image with a "Charge Me" message; while when a smart-device is connected directly (without the USB condom), the screen shows a set of playful images to indicate the possibility of non-consent data-transfer. For the physical part, a USB condom is made by simply connecting the corresponding power lines of the male and female USB drive together. The two pins in between are soldered together respectively on both drives.
It is presented in a fun, humorous way that it relates literally to the function of condoms. The sexual appeal is implied as a resemblance of spying practice: sex as the mean of accessing private information (as in Hollywood films). An image of a male character in costume is used not only to enhance the playfulness, but it also contributes to the gender balance of the project.
The project is inspired by a similar project done by Wall of Sheep and posts on Instructables.
Disclaimer: all images used in this project are either original or free of copy rights.
Download the source codes here.
Download the source codes here.
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Yoki is a Taiwanese-Japanese artist interested in interactions and relationships. Her art form diverges from photography, objects, sculptures, installations and writings. She is currently a BAS final-year student at School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong.
