[LINK] New RFID national identification system annouced

[Tom Worthington]

                 LINKGRAM FROM THE LINK INSTUTITE

                 PETS National Identification Scheme

Canberra, 21 June 2006: The Link Institute announced the 
revolutionary PETS system for is new national service delivery 
electronic identity scheme.

Professor Klerphell, Link director claimed that the new system will 
allow the identification of people using contactless RFID smart 
chips, without the need for the recipient to carry a smart card.

The PETS system uses a subcutaneous RFID smart chip. The chip is 
implanted under the skin. Initial outrage expressed by human rights 
and privacy groups over the scheme died down when it was announced 
the chips will be implanted in family pets, rather than people.

Professor Klerphell said he had the idea when reading reports of a 
recent earthquake: "some reports said that villages were being 
refused government aid when they lost their identity cards in the 
disaster. But after their children, the next thing people will grab 
on the way out are their animals".

The PETS system replaces existing RFID tags used for identifying 
animals, with a smart chip capable of holding more data. The public 
will need to bring their cat, dog or budgie along to obtain 
government services. The animal will be scanned using a RFID reader 
at the counter.

"What could be more comforting for a patient waiting to see the 
doctor, than to be patting their moggie?" asked the Professor. The 
scheme has been welcomed by animal rights activists and health 
professionals, as a way to improve the health of both the pets and the owners.

;-)



Tom Worthington FACS HLM tom.worthington at tomw.net.au Ph: 0419 496150
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