Law and privacy: the debate over Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) legislation

ABSTRACT

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology with the potential to introduce major cost savings for both businesses and consumers alike. It does not, however, come without controversy. Over the past few years, a major rift has developed between business and government groups, and civil liberty advocates. The point of contention pertains to RFID legislation, and more specifically whether or not it should even exist. Business and government groups would like for the new technology to be regulated by industry standards and the free market. Consumer privacy and civil liberty advocates want it to be regulated by preemptive legislation. The truth is that if both groups would step back from the table and look at the big picture, a compromise would not be that difficult. This paper explores the different viewpoints and the common ground that exists between them.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.4 INPUT/OUTPUT AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS
      B.4.1 Data Communications Devices

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Legal Aspects, Performance, Security

Keywords:
AutoID labs, CASPIAN, EPCGlobal, RFID, anti terrorism, consumer rights, kill switch, privacy, progressive policy institute, radio frequency identification, smart shelf technology, tags, transponders