RFID, Privacy vs Modernism

November 5, 2009 / 3:10 p.m.
Posted by Alden Chiu
University of Texas Student


There is really no question to the practicality and usefulness of radio frequency identification in terms of technology. Earlier, while looking up new and clever gadgets that utilize RFID, it was not hard to speculate the potential growing power in this not yet popularized technology.

To expound upon more fun gadgets like the mini-cooper billboard in my first blog, I’ve listed a few more that caught my eye.

An RFID car locator: Ever lost your car in the midst of a crowded mall or Wal-Mart parking lot? No need to lie because companies like DPL-Surveillance-Equipment are developing trackers and locators for your car, personal items, and even children.

How about heat sensors for football players, firefighters and military personnel? What these RFID tags do is notify you when someone is overheating to dangerous levels. Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer died of a heat stroke during practice along with many other high school football players. Had it been realized sooner, lives may have been saved.

Here is an interesting one: RFID activated cat/doggie doors. This keeps nosy animals like possums, foxes, and neighborhood pets out, and Chewy, the family Yorkie in.

Its no surprise that consumer products are more and more popular with RFID given it began as an inventory managing tool. Skeptics believe that RFID invades privacy and will begin as a slippery slope to abuse.

We are using RFID for many basic uses, inventory control being just one. Utility meters are scanned and no longer need to be individually read. These practices save labor and cost. Overall, we have usage for the technology in basic forms. As a personal belief and statement, skeptics of RFID need to worry about problems when problems actually arise.

Although I am an early adopter of devices and innovative technologies, I understand the precedence and concerns regarding radio frequency. However, living under a rock and being fearful of what is on the other side never produced results or got anyone anywhere.