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

[Geoff Ramadan]

Marghanita da Cruz wrote:
> Geoff Ramadan wrote:
>> 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".
> <snip>
> Geoff,
> 
> It is the ease of tracking that RFID offers over Barcodes that raises 
> issues....identifying people or their habbits by their rubbish bins and 
> their contents, where they live by tracking where the book/clothing 
> goes...are these applications are in the realms of science fiction or 
> now legitimate objectives.

The trouble is you are generalising. RFID is not one technology nor one thing.

I am specifically talking about Library system. I don't think any rubbish is
generated in a library transaction. And certainly nothing that contains RFID.

The ability to track who has/had what book(s) can be currently be done via
computer. RFID has no part to play in this.


> 
> Also, as RFID does have valuable appliacations it is necessary to ensure 
> that the side effects/enhancements to existing applications are 
> legitimate. The issue is whether the existing privacy laws are 
> sufficient and secondly whether they are effective.

I understand this point, but the only enhancement I see is the ability to read
the books more efficiently (with out having a barcode scanner and book
positioning issues). Putting a returned book down a chute with a RFID reader
registering this, is an excellent example of this. Librarians' don't have to
manipulate the book to find the barcode, improvements in stocktaking  etc.

I don't see any illegitimate side effects.

I understand there are privacy issues associated with Library system as a result 
of collecting personal information. What I am trying to understand is what new 
and real concerns are specifically 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)



> 
> It isn't the technology but its application that is being questioned.
> 
> Marghanita