Introduction of RFID

<< back to 'Technological Driving Forces for the Future of Privacy'

Description:

Short for radio frequency identification, a technology similar in theory to bar code identification [1], is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders [2]. RFID tags are objects that can be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification using radio waves.

Paradigms:

The use of RFID technology has engendered considerable controversy and even product boycotts because of:

• The purchaser of an item will not necessarily be aware of the presence of the tag or be able to remove it
• The tag can be read at a distance without the knowledge of the individual
• If a tagged item is paid for by credit card or in conjunction with use of a loyalty card, then it would be possible to tie the unique ID of that item to the identity of the purchaser
• The EPCglobal system of tags create globally unique serial numbers for all products.

Web Resources:

[1] RFID definition on Webopedia

[2] Wikipedia RFID page