RFID – How can it affect me?
Radio Frequency (RFID) is defined by the RFID Journal “as a microchip attached to an antenna that is packaged in a way that it can be applied to an object. The tag picks up signals from and sends signals to a reader. The tag contains a unique serial number, but may have other information, such as a customers’ account number. Tags come in many forms, such smart labels that can have a barcode printed on it, or the tag can simply be mounted inside a carton or embedded in plastic. RFID tags can be active, passive or semi-passive.”
RFID has been under development for the last sixty years. Most frequently, RFID tags are used to track the movement of items between physical locations. Your pet may have an RFID tag to identify them if they are lost. These tags are extremely beneficial to individuals in the supply chain as well. RFID tags can provide a multitude of information that would be helpful in recalls. In addition to recalls, the use of these tags can speed up the process when checking out at the grocery store. RFID tags have the ability to be read from as far as two feet away. That means your cashier does not need to scan each individual item. Unfortunately, the price of the tags and equipment are not currently cost effective for most companies, however prices are expected to drop considerably in the next few years.
With the ability to store so much information on a small chip and the ability to read the chip from considerable distances, RFID has come under fire. Some people believe information that can be captured with this type of system could be used for purposes to invade an individual’s privacy. The state of Washington recently adopted a law pertaining to the use of RFID, http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/4802 . Other states are in the process of crafting bills that would protect an individual’s right to privacy as well.
What do you think? Do the risks of RFID out weigh the rewards?
