Website exposes the risks of the Internet of Things via the selfie

Ubisoft launches Watch_Dogs 2 Selfie Reveal – a first-of-its-kind digital experience aimed at exposing the hidden mechanisms of a smart, connected lifestyle… all starting with the Selfie.



Through the multiple image analysis APIs powering Selfie Reveal, you can see that literally, a picture is worth a thousand words. You may even find that your Selfie is worth more. Everyday millions of Selfies are posted and shared without a thought given to the underlying risks they may pose. What few realize is that, every second, corporations and agencies can turn innocent Selfies into a treasure trove of data and can use that personal information for their own gain.

Watch_Dogs 2 Selfie Reveal exposes the potential information being assembled from your selfies and suggests how the collected data may be making you an unknowing target for high-powered industries. Upload your selfie and through the experience, see what type of personal data is being gathered. Looking a little sad? Your emotions could possibly be sold off to Big Pharma so that they can target you with antidepressant products. Wearing glasses? Eyewear companies might think you need fresh new pair. An independent voter but showing signs of leaning Democrat? Super PACS could possibly use your information to underhandedly sway your vote.

And selfies are only the beginning. The amount of personal, behavioral data that can be collected through your use of smart, connected devices – devices such as fitness trackers, home entertainment systems and smart cars – is astounding. On top of that, the connected nature of these convenient devices can leave us vulnerable to hackers who can assume control over our lives, simply by hacking into them. Our fitness trackers can double as location trackers for those who want to stalk us. Home entertainment systems can serve as a portal for those who want to spy on us. Even our cars can be commandeered remotely by hackers, turning them into destructive missiles and leaving us helpless behind the wheel.

“All that is required for inclusion in a facial recognition database is a selfie,” said David Maynor, Creative Consultant on hacker tools, techniques, and culture for Watch_Dogs 2. “Selfies could be thought of as taking your own mug shot in this regard. These pictures can be mined for behavior and lifestyle indicators over time. As a hypothetical example, can you imagine getting an email from your healthcare provider where they noticed you have gained weight by comparing a series of selfies over the last year and as a result your premiums are going up?”

*All information contained on Watch_Dogs® 2 Selfie Reveal is provided for entertainment purposes only, and should not be construed as professional, medical, legal, or financial advice on any subject matter.

In Watch_Dogs 2, players explores this connected reality right in the birthplace of the tech revolution. As Marcus Holloway, you are a brilliant young hacker who has fallen victim to ctOS 2.0’s predictive algorithms and accused of a crime he did not commit. In Marcus’ quest to shut down ctOS 2.0 for good, hacking is the ultimate weapon. Players can not only hack into the San Francisco Bay Area’s infrastructure but also every person and any connected device they possess to trigger unpredictable chains of events in this vast open world.

Find out what’s being revealed about you with Selfie Reveal here: watchdogs.com/SelfieReveal.

For more information about Watch_Dogs 2, please visit watchdogs.ubisoft.com.

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Watch_Dogs, Tom Clancy’s video game series, Rayman and Far Cry. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2015–16 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,394 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.