Talk about the government having nothing better to do

[RB TexLa]

EU considers policy direction on RFID


RFID tags may only be tiny objects, but they are shaping up to have a massive impact on commerce and society across the world. The challenge facing EU policymakers is to understand the extent of that impact, and to create or change policy accordingly.

It’s not an easy task, and the EU is not taking it lightly. In February 2006 it launched a public consultation with the aim of learning about people’s attitudes towards RFID, and listening to their opinions on how development and innovation in this space should best be managed. When the consultation period closed in September, the EU had received 2,190 responses – almost a record.

The responses came not only from companies and organisations who are involved in developing, testing, implementing and using RFID, but also from citizens keen to voice their opinions about the technology. While many recognise that the technology will deliver major safety and security benefits, others are worried that some RFID tags might contain personal data that could be used in ways they cannot control, or that by carrying something with an RFID tag on it, their own movements could be trackable.

The EU acknowledges these concerns, but is also keen to stimulate the development and uptake of RFID because of the wide-reaching benefits it can bring in so many areas. Speaking in October 2006, the EU Commissioner for the Information Society, Viviane Reding, talked of a large and diverse array of benefits including “livestock management, 24-hour patient monitoring, authentication of pharmaceuticals, tracking consignments in a supply chain, remote monitoring of safety-critical components in aircraft and monitoring the safety of perishable food.”


http://www.oracle.com/global/eu/innovation/fs/rfid-policy.html

[screembloodymurder]

1. Huh?

This seems like a legitimate regulatory issue. I don't want my purchases tracked after I leave the store.