[LINK] Re: RFID in Govt, and in People

[Geoff Ramadan]

Marghanita

Computers, data collection and Privacy laws existed prior to the current 
introduction of RFID in libraries, and computerised barcoding systems would have 
to comply with privacy legislation (or should have).

i.e. these are all existing issues prior to RFID.

What NEW privacy concerns are specifically raised because of RFID?

I suspect none, yet somehow they are attributed to "RFID".

Regards

Geoffrey Ramadan, B.E.(Elec)
Chairman, Automatic Data Capture Australia (www.adca.com.au)
and
Managing Director, Unique Micro Design (www.umd.com.au)





Marghanita da Cruz wrote:
> Geoffrey Ramadan wrote:
>> Can someone please explain what the "additional" privacy issues are 
>> that relate to RFID in library applications. i.e. what are the 
>> additional privacy concerns that are not already covered with in a 
>> library system?
>>
>> As far as I am aware, the RFID label on a book is simply a book ID 
>> number. There is no personal information attached to it, and is simply 
>> replacing the existing barcode that is used.
>>
>> The key point I got from the URL is:
>>
>> "It can be extremely difficult for Australian libraries to accurately 
>> gauge the risks to the privacy of their borrowers in the context of 
>> rhetoric which at times borders on the hysterical and is often 
>> misinformed."
> 
> Perhaps the key point with privacy, is that a lot of data is collected 
> and could be matched at a later date.  Local Libraries are run by 
> coucils, they require bookings against your library card for Internet 
> Access. I was recently told that my local library had a new computer 
> system so they were collecting a few more details to fill in the blanks...
> 
> Roger, could perhaps comment on how well informed Local Councils are on 
> Privacy. Many borrowers are children and it is not usually a Librarian 
> doing the data collection.
> 
> Marghanita
> 
> <snip>
>