RFID - Scare Tactics versus Facts
Despite the many benefits and efficiencies of RFID technology, there are some legitimate concerns for privacy and security. However, thoughtful debate on how to best manage these concerns is derailed when individuals use scare tactics to promote their own interests. Recent media attention, and stories on “skimming ” - stealing the RFID information remotely - propagate misinformation and lend a level of credibility to these concerns. Fueling the fire will encourage legislative action in states and federally which could potentially hinder RFID technology development and use.
The European Union is already looking at guidelines to ensure that thoughtful regulations are implemented abroad. The U.S. needs to follow suit and have a thoughtful dialogue on the real privacy and security issues to quell these fear-mongers and special interests.
