How does Campus Planning use Wi-Fi data during studies?

Anonymized Wi-Fi use data is analyzed in aggregate to gauge the occupancy of spaces on campus. The volume and frequency of hits to the Wi-Fi network provide an indication of the number of users present in a particular space or building at a particular time. This subset of data does not include the type of user or what the individual is accessing via the network. It simply indicates that the network has been used a certain number of times during a certain time period which helps us to gauge flow of populations through a space.

How is the Wi-Fi data gathered and analyzed?

OCP has engaged the services of a company called Campus IQ to better understand space use around campus. Their technology leverages anonymized data from MIT wireless networks to correlate it to space utilization and inform space use studies for various campus projects.

Campus IQ analyzes a limited, subset of anonymized data currently collected through MIT wireless access points. The data is completely anonymized before being sent to Campus IQ. The volume and frequency of Wi-Fi connections are used to estimate when spaces are being used and by how many people.

At no point will Campus IQ have access to identifiable data or the ability to re-identify the anonymized data MIT provides as part of this project.  Upon conclusion of the project, Campus IQ will securely delete all MIT data.

Can I opt out of this data gathering?

Yes. You can opt out by disabling the Wi-Fi on your devices or using Wi-Fi options other than the MIT Wi-Fi networks.