Radio Frequency Identification Tags
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, which are tiny microchips, act as transponders. Generally, you see RFID tags attached to retail products to help limit theft. However, RFID tags are also used in inventory management in warehouses, for implanted pet IDs, in passports, library books, and in electronic payment devices such as "smart" credit cards and EZPasses. Retail stores generally deactivate the RFID tag when you purchase an item, but in the other cases the tag continues to send its location to nearby radio transceivers. Many of these tags can transmit over a 10-40 foot distance with limited security protections. Their small size allows someone to place RFID tags surreptitiously. These characteristics allow covert, and possibly illicit, monitoring for surveillence or theft. For example, retail RFID tags could track a person's movements through the store and, potentially, beyond.
For this Discussion, you will take a stance on RFID tags.
Pick one application of RFID tagging that may affect the public. In 3-4 paragraphs, discuss the following:
- Identify one or two benefits of a company's ability to track physical location and movement in this application.
- Identify one or two risks involved in this application and strategies that can reduce those risks.
• Briefly discuss the major ethical and legal issues of such an application.