The Voice - Student Newspaper

RFID tags majority of products on shelves

By April Moody
Reporter, The VOICE

Previously, the prevalence of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chips on United States (US) Passports and U.S. driver's licenses has some concerned about the privacy issues and other ethical implications of the use and abuse of such technology. However, RFID has taken a large, new stroll into common society; as many companies have implemented the chips on their products, without the knowledge of the consumer.

Stores such as Dillards, Wal-Mart, and Fry's Food & Drug are all stores that contain products containing RFID.

In fact, Wal-Mart has mandated that the companies, over 100 of which, that stock their merchandise with Wal-Mart must implement all of their products with RFID if they wish to continue profiting in Wal-Mart stores.

Consumers that shop at Wal-Mart won't find this information on the majority of the store websites or on their shelves. The switch has been tremendously fast. However, the question of privacy is a relevant one.

An RFID chip can be read by a scanner up to 75 feet away and every product is specifically numbered. Some feel concerned that this RFID chip infringes on their privacy.

More extremists feel that the RFID chip is nothing more than the federal government seizing tighter control over its citizens and that it can specifically track any individual in the U.S.

Whatever the case may be, Radio-Frequency Identification has become a new way of life in America, from passports, to driver's licenses, to consumer products, even human implantation of the chips. Despite concerns about the newfound technology, it doesn't seem to be going away. Instead it's growing rapidly.

Please send comments to amoody@gccvoice.com