RFID, help or hype?: LiveSimplicity discussion forum

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RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) uses radio frequency transponders attached to products and even people to provide a simple, automatic method of identification. Is this the ideal tracking solution or is it a high cost gimmick that threatens our privacy?

View A

RFID is an ideal tracking solution. It is already being used in passports, product tracking, and many other applications. The technology is in its infancy and will only spread to other applications to make things easier to access and use.

View B

RFID threatens our security and has countless privacy issues. High cost and lack of standardisation does not make it a viable solution despite some benefits.

8 comment(s) so far

Champ thinks: I'm not sure RFID is the end-all-be-all solution, but it is a start. It's a great way to track movement and quickly identify a person or product. Within a few years, I predict it will advance to the point where it is widespread, however it won't become truly mainstream until security issues are addressed thoroughly.

awakened thinks: RFID appears to be an increasingly interesting technology, but I am deeply concerned about the possible implementations of it. Almost everyone has heard of the recent Nike + I-pod security "holes" that allow a possible stalker obtaining information about the user. I really like the idea of getting out of supermarkets easier and quicker, but I definitely wouldn't sacrifice my privacy for such a comfort. We, as consumers need to focus on what actually does help us in the long run, not just nifty gadgets. Maybe if RFID tags were automatically destroyed right before reaching consumers (as in, at the exit of a supermarket) then maybe would I consider it to be a viable solution. But, who is to ensure me such a thing? On the other hand, using them to track people is simply absurd.

WavingNotDrowning thinks: RFID is an interesting technology because its is rarely the end user who has the choice as to if they use it or not. If your bank puts it in you card you have it ... basta! Therefore, RFID will become mainstrean. We will use it and like most things we will make the trade offs but will improve them over time, think car saftey.

Aos thinks: A great example of how RFID is making things easier, a hotel RFID wristband as your key. You'll never have to worry about losing your room key again.

Alexkaatsch thinks: STOP ! Understand this if you understand nothing else...... I (and doubtless millions others) do not want to be tracked AT ALL ! I am my own man, not your property, your subject of interest, your marketing tool, your political target or anything else whatever to do with you. I'll refrain from typing it, but a two-word phrase sums it up nicely and the second of those two words is 'off' !

newman42 thinks: There is great potential for RFID, but it's just a matter of finding practical and useful reason to use it. Yes, it currently lacks the security necessary, but I have no doubt that technology currently under development will eliminate these risks.

km thinks: The potential is huge- literally another medium like radio or internet- so it would be great for say individuals' possessions that are valuable/ variable to be tracked and automatically cared for.

To realise its potential requires standardisation and cost/unit to come down- 4+ years away?

It could possibly tempt business to incorporate "planned obsolescence" into products- not good.

phodi thinks: With every new technology there are numerous loopholes that will be exploited not only by criminals, but by government agencies and corporations. The government is the police and sadly there is no one to police the police. This information about our spending patterns, movements and even social detail will be used by the government in one way or another as a technique to control the masses. It is the same as anything-the more I know about a particular subject, the more I can utilize and exploit it. For insance, I am more intellectually superior to a dog and can therefor control it. It is no different between the government and the people. Who will be put in control of this information?