You do not have permission to delete messages in this group
Copy link
Report message
Show original message
Either email addresses are anonymous for this group or you need the view member email addresses permission to view the original message
to Heavensoon
The
Next Big Privacy Concern: RFID “Spychips”
Radio-frequency I.D. (RFID) tags are a
convenient way to track items and cut costs
for companies. But this technology is
increasingly being used to track other things,
like security badges — or even people —
giving it the potential to cause a horrific
erosion of privacy. Tracking people with smart
tags, their shopping preferences, their
activities, and their personal belongings
sounds like something from a sci-fi thriller.
But If you got your panties in a twist over
Walmart's decision to track your undies via
RFID smart tags, then you'll be doublely
concerned at how close we are to
cradle-to-grave surveillance. RFID tags
reached a tipping point with Walmart's
announcement that, starting next month, the
retailer will place removable "smart
tags" on consumer goods. The RFID tags
can be read by hand-held scanners to track
inventory levels and keep a better eye on loss
prevention. Recent drops in the cost per RFID
tags have encouraged adoption of this
technology. With Wal-Mart publicly embracing
RFID, you'll see other retailers quickly fall
in line. If your trash is filled with RFID
tags, your trash could be exploited by
cybercriminals (driving by with a RFID
reader).