Information protection in video relay services

This work in progress paper reports on initial research into the protection of information of the individuals that make use of video relay services. Our research team has developed an application called SignSupport, to aid in the communication between a text illiterate Deaf person and a non-signing pharmacist. After a Deaf person hands SignSupport to the pharmacist, s/he can view the prescription in South African Sign Language. SignSupport keeps personal and medical information on the phone that needs to be protected. This project focuses on the provision and security of voice and video over Internet Protocol transmission for video/voice relay integrated into SignSupport. Areas of research include: authentication methods, sign language video encryption techniques, and secure and protected data transit for an IP-based relay system. We also intend to implement and evaluate these security measures within the context of the South African Protection of Private Information Bill. Action research methodology will apply to this project, with consultation from inter-disciplinary groups such as the Deaf Community of Cape Town, legal experts, network and information security experts as well as application developers, for input and direction of this research.