RFID

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    Revision as of 00:35, 26 November 2003 by 142.177.81.103 (talk)

    Controversial RFID technology identifies products according to a radio frequency signature. It is so small and cheap it may even be embedded into currency.

    RFID tags are very small chips containing a tiny antennae, and can be fixed to physical items. A number of major retailers are interested in using them as a high-tech replacement for barcodes, as they offer the possibility of improved stock control -- allowing a company to automatically count how many items it has in inventory, and even knowing exactly who is buying what.

    There are potential benefits to consumers; but potential risks to privacy. It may be harder to get RFID data than to swipe the barcode.

    See w:RFID

    http://www.thoughtcrimenews.com/rfid.htm

    Money plans: http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/chips/0,39020354,2090580,00.htm

    "Civil liberties groups demand halt to RFID" http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/emergingtech/0,39020357,39118035,00.htm