Forwarded from: Ejovi Nuwere <ejoviat_private> http://www.ejovi.net/mt-archives/000090.html July 23, 2003 Supermarket chains and departments stores are considering the use of a new technology. A device that would some day replace bar codes. The chip comes in sizes as small as an ant's head and emits radio signals that can carry information such as serial number that could be correlated with price, manufactured location, or expiration date. The possibilities for use are limitless, unfortunately so are its abuses. Some consumers, myself included, yes I'm a consumer, are concerned about having invisible microchips with information embedded into items that we use everyday transmitting data to an unknown entity. Before these chips go mainstream consumers and business owners will need to join heads to set a few ground rules. Now don't get me wrong now, I'm not running for the hills. Far from it, its just the idea of my shirt keeping track of where I go shopping makes me a little…paranoid? The technology often referred to as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Auto Identification (Auto ID) will—baring any other major technological development—enter widespread use soon. Many companies have already begun deploying the technology to help streamline the manufacturing and shipping process. The Michelin tire company has started a trail run, embedding RFID devices in tires allowing the company to easily track and recall them if need be. The thought of your tires following you aside, the devices have plenty of benefits. Using RFID could cut down on theft, which is said to account for nearly $50 billion dollars in lost revenue a year. It could streamline the checkout process making it transparent to the consumer. See something you like? Grab it with your RFID credit chip in your back pocket and take it home. The European Central Bank is seriously considering placing RFID chips into bank notes by 2005 in hopes of stifling the money laundering and counterfeit trade. Using the chips would allow them to verify authenticity and track its location in the case of theft. Though many may not know it, the technology is already apart of millions of lives in America. Exxon Mobil, McDonalds, and Stop&Shop have deployed the same technology in a campaign called SpeedPass. SpeedPass allows users to pay for items using a small RFID device kept on a key chain. RFID is quickly gaining popularity because of its ease of use and transparency and that's what frightens me. We may never know when, where and exactly who are using the devices. If tracking occurs outside the companies place of business it may run afoul of consumer privacy regulations but it's still unclear what protection buyers are given while in stores or visiting branch locations. Consumers and corporations can easily come to a middle ground where everyone benefits from the cost savings and streamlined processes. Corporations using this technology should be and honest straight forward. Signs should be posted at entrances and checkouts counters where the devices are being used and tagged merchandise should be clearly labeled as so. SpeedPass is a perfect example of consumers and corporations coming to terms on proper use of these devices and while I couldn't find any wide scale abuse of RFID that isn't to say there is none. There is currently no legal reason for companies to notify consumers, only moral. And here we have our dilemma. For more information about RFID check out these sites http://news.com.com/2100-1019-1023934.html Wal-Mart and RFID http://www.nocards.org/ CASPIAN fight against RFID http://asia.cnet.com/newstech/systems/0,39001153,39129324,00.htm RFID in Japan - ISN is currently hosted by Attrition.org To unsubscribe email majordomoat_private with 'unsubscribe isn' in the BODY of the mail.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Thu Jul 24 2003 - 03:28:50 PDT