Rfid

Summary

Could we be constantly tracked through our clothes, shoes or even our cash in the near future? Yes, and it is just a few years away. We will be tracked because we will be wearing, eating and carrying objects that are designed to do so. The generic name for this technology is RFID, which stands for radio frequency identification. RFID tags are minuscule

microchips, which already have shrunk to half the size of a grain of sand. Most RFID tags have no batteries; they only use the power from the initial radio signal to transmit their response.

It becomes easy to imagine a scenario where everything you buy will sport RFID tags. A German company has invented washable RFID tags designed to be sewn into clothing. The European central bank is considering embedding RFID tags into banknotes. Soon everything you do or carry will be tracked. RFID tags are included in new UK and some new US passports. The chips will store the same information that is printed within the passport and will also include a digital picture of the owner.

Fears of security problems have surrounded RFID technology. A would-be data thief with computer access and considerable hacking skills could steal data. Given that RFID tags are made to broadcast information, the possibility of data theft by easily concealable RFID scanners is very real. Many tags are made with the ability to be re-writeable, which could lead to your personal data being corrupted or lost.

Critique

I feel that RFID should be used, not to allow businesses to track customers, but instead the police could use it to track down wanted criminals on warrants. RFID would also provide a solution to finding lost and missing children, or track down a prison escapee. The list could be endless in matters along these lines. I am in favor of RFID, but with safeguards built into the technology to protect privacy.

Sartor, Michelle. "RFID: analysts expect RFID to continue to evolve and increase in use. Label & Narrow 1 March 2006 6 Feb 2007 .