Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has the potential to transform consumers' lives for the positive. That is the message of the Discover RFID website (www.discoverrfid.org) created by the GS1 subsidiary EPCglobal.
The site offers consumers insights into the various ways RFID is being used to improve daily living, from helping speed consumers through tollbooths to tracking food products and luggage lost by airlines.
Discover RFID's tone is positive throughout but it is clear that it also intends to address obstacles to adoption such as the accusations that the technology will bring about a Big Brother-like intrusion into their lives.
On this question, Discover RFID offers the following response with links to resource websites: "Many groups, including EPCglobal, are working to protect the consumer's right to privacy and to educate people about RFID and the EPC. For example, the European Union and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S. are also actively monitoring the progress of RFID technology and its impact on citizens. At national level, countries have various data protection laws in place. And non-profit organizations monitor the legal environment to make sure consumer rights are protected."
Discussion Questions: How knowledgeable do you think American consumers are about RFID and its benefits? Do consumers need to be educated about RFID? What do you see as the questions that need to be answered for RFID to continue its progress? Are the answers that GS1 EPCglobal and others are offering convincing to consumers?