Growing Concerns over RFID Chip and its Future

 

Taken from :

 

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20140302/BUSINESS/303020024/Experts-warn-RFID-chips-raise-growing-concerns

 

And from:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WTYipjVRI8

 

     As radio-frequency identification (RFID) has become common, many concerns have been raised. The privacy concern is one of them. Forbes writer Andy Greenberg, the author of the book “This Machine Kills Secrets,’ reported why:

IT and security expert Kristin Paget at a ShmooCon hacker conference showed on a demonstration just how easily an identity thief can grab data from unsuspecting passersby. For an investment of $50 for an RFID credit card reader purchased on eBay, and a $300 card magnetizing tool, she was able to write that information onto a blank card, which could be an old hotel key card or an old credit card.

     Should RFID chips include all information if it is helpful for us? If not, what information should be recorded and what should not?

 

     Before we further discuss the topic, we should understand what RFID is. RFID is an information system that uses radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to access, transfer, and trace data. This wireless technology is used to identify and track tags attached to products in a supply chain system. The tags electrically containing information can be powered and read through magnetic fields even from a few yards away, acting as a passive transponder that emits microwaves or radio waves. The tags also can be powered through battery, emitting radio waves as far as hundreds of yards. The information that RFID tags contain is transferred when they pass through the frequency field of a scanning antenna.

 

     So, should the chips keep all information, or not? The chips should not keep all information because it might invade privacy. It is important to classify what information should be kept and what should not be in order to protect privacy, even if the classification would differ from each individual. In my opinion, the chips should not keep the private information such as credit card information and personal identifications of buyers.

 

     Now, what information should the chips keep? The chips should contain price, shipping histories, product maintenances, expiration dates, and the place of origin of products. The information would provide transparency to the products and help buyers to trust them. It might also be helpful for a business if the chips contain information such as date of warehouse departure and arrival, and temperature of products.

 

     Despite the concerns, RFID tags are becoming more and more popular, because RFID tags possess many advantages over barcodes. First of all, RFID tags are readable from further distance. They can be read from a few yards, and when they are powered from batteries, the tags can be read from as far as hundreds of yards. Moreover, the tags are not required to be placed in a line of sight of the reader; this will hugely reduce time when used in retailers. The major advantage, however, is the capability of carrying large data such as shipping histories, expiration dates, and more; this capability will allow tracking products with detailed information. RFID tags are also more reusable when they are protected by a cover. These advantages will keep RFID popular in the future.