From government inventories to the razor on your sink, Big Brother is watching - and taking notes - behind our backs.
A new policy announced by the U.S. Department of Defense will require Radio Frequency Identification tracking tags to be attached to every individual product in inventory, excluding bulk commodities. RFID tags are labels embedded with a single computer chip and an antenna that can be printed on the tag with carbon-based ink. A radio transmitter can send a signal to the tag, and the radio wave provides enough power for the tag to respond.
Such tags are called "passive" tags, but some include embedded batteries that allow a greater range of communication. RFID tags currently are used by The Gillette Company and Wal-Mart to track merchandise and aid in inventory control, especially in bulk transport.
Wal-Mart, a major player in the retail economy, has pushed for the devices to lower costs and increase efficiency, and will require all of its suppliers to RFIDs by 2005.
Individual units also may include RFID tags that track the merchandise wherever it travels, the main concern of privacy groups. Consumers and the information on the credit card they used to purchase the item could be tracked and profiled using RFIDs. Clothing retailer United Colors of Benetton and Gillette both discussed putting RFIDs into their products. Some washable tags have been developed, allowing their functionality to remain long after the initial purchase, adding to the ever-growing list of privacy concerns about consumer tracking.
The tags will be able to be disabled at the checkout, but in many situations may be left active.
Gillette Vice President Dick Cantwell said RFID tags would be disabled at checkout only at consumers' request. Wal-Mart gave a more ambiguous response when asked if it would disable the tags at checkout.
The tracking range of the tags is usually small, but if stronger readers are used the range increases greatly. The risk of criminals or police violating the privacy of individuals is small but will continue to grow unless simple regulations are placed on the use of this technology.
RFID tags need to be visible so that consumers know they are present; the smallest RFIDs are smaller than a speck of pepper.
Consumers also need to know when the items they purchase contain RFID tags. Additionally, they need to have the option to have the tags disabled when purchased.
And RFIDs only should be placed on product packaging, never on the product itself.
Greater efficiency will mean lowered costs for consumers, a price that doesn't need to be at the sacrifice of personal privacy.
Audra Baker is a journalism and biology senior with closed blinds and thick curtains, but you can leave a message in her mailbox at audra.baker@asu.edu.
