Radio TaggingInvestigating the use of RFID tagsFor many, the discussion of RFID tags is an emotive subject. This may seem a little odd for a tiny device whose main use is currently to track shipments of goods across continents. But the extremes range from apoclyptic visions based on Revelation chapter 13 to an Orwellian nightmare where freedom of thought, let alone freedom of movement is not tolerated. So, why the fuss? It is common to hear the argument that if you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to fear. Which presupposes that the state is both benign and infallible at all times, despite any evidence to the contrary. But that is besides the point. Attendees at a political rally for a legitimate organisation should be able to meet together in confidence, without the prospect of being targeted by opposing parties for special attention, or worse. The concept of tagging all children from birth would reduce kidnappings and other related crime. And who, in their right mind would not be against that? The argument however, to a cynical soul like myself, has one serious flaw. It would just as likely result in a higher level of amptuations and other mutilations carried out by desperate criminals. This is not an overstatement, in March 2005, a Malaysian accountant had his finger severed by car thieves in a bid to overcome the biometric scanning system used to secure the vehicle. Privacy is a right. If I purchase an item, it does not necessarily follow that I consent to being bomabarded with advertisements for other items that other people who fit that particular purchasing profile. However, extensive tagging of items would enable some very interesting - but entirely unethical - experiments in direct mail marketing. Other Views on RFID Tags
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