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

[Geoff Ramadan]

Lea de Groot wrote:
> Geoff Ramadan wrote:
>> What NEW privacy concerns are specifically raised because of RFID?
> 
> Certainly, there is little directly different in an RFID implementation 
> over, say, a barcode implementation, but my first guess at an answer has 
> 2 parts:
> 
> Firstly, the 'new technology' is an 'excuse' for new funding for a new 
> information system. Its important that the 'new' system have the same , 
> or better, controls on our privacy as the previous systems.
> If the system is being redeveloped this is not an excuse for 
> cross-government-department linking, to our detriment.
> 
> Secondly, RFID opens up the possibility for remote sensing that 'simple' 
> paper-based (ie barcode) systems did not - you cannot have a system set 
> up outside the library door to scan the barcodes of unsuspecting 
> borrowers leaving the library, you might be able to with rfid tags.

why would you bother?

they already know you have the book. If you took it with out going through the 
proper channels the alarm would go of.

If you are really that concerned that "others" may surreptitiously read it, then 
you or the librarian can insert a aluminum foil sheet. Problem solved.


> You cannot read the paper details of someone's passport as they walk 
> past you, you might be able to if the document is tagged with an RFID 
> transmitter.

My understanding RFID passports have a metal thread woven into one page, making 
the RFID tag impossible to read.

Reg
Geoffrey Ramadan


> 
> New publically  systems must improve on old systems in all their 
> measures, not just their whiz-bang measures.
> 
> IMHO
> Lea