By George Anderson
Mark Baard's Wired Web site column on product tests that combine radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with sensors that determine if a perishable item has expired or has been contaminated with a biological or chemical substance reads like a conspiracy theorist's novel.
Mr. Baard claims that retailers and suppliers, stung by negative reaction to RFID by consumer privacy groups, had added the sensors so they can pass it off "as an essential terrorism-fighting tool."
The industry is seeking to have this "RFID Plus" technology included as a qualified antiterrorism technology under The Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies ("Safety") Act of 2002.
Supporters of the technology claim that it will help protect the food supply and aid in product recalls.
Others disagree. "The retailers used the same argument -- faster recalls -- as a justification for customer loyalty cards," said Liz McIntyre, a spokeswoman for the anti-RFID privacy group CASPIAN. "But we know of no product recalls that have ever been made with customer loyalty cards."
Moderator's Comment: Why should RFID technology be adopted… or not?
We'd be the first to admit that being paranoid does not mean you're not being followed. The well-intentioned folks who fear RFID abuses have valid concerns. We do not happen to share them. [George Anderson - Moderator]