RFID papers

Some RFID papers

Here are a few papers on the privacy implications of RFID. The basic idea behind RFID -- Radio Frequency IDentification -- is to embed all sorts of products with little tags that transmit information about the product (at least when "illuminated" by an RF reader). This technology could allow, for example, shopping checkout without removing anything from the cart.

The privacy problem occurs when users leave the store, with their tagged items (clothing, electronics, etc) still active. Wearing such tagged clothing into other stores might immediately reveal what you are wearing and who originally bought it.

Eckfeldt's paper is a good starting point. Garfinkel's (at bottom) is maybe even better.

Bruce Eckfeldt, What does RFID do for the Consumer?: a discussion of advantages of RFID for the rest of us.
Gunther and Spiekermann, RFID and the Perception of Control: an analysis of the extent to which consumer objections to RFID relate to a feeling of loss of control.
Miyako Ohkubo, et al, RFID Privacy Issues and Technical Challenges, some technical approaches to privacy issues. A little dense. On the other hand, we're supposed to be the technological elite; if we can't figure this out, what chance is there that everyone else will?
Frank Stajano, RFID is X-Ray Vision, more on potential consumer concerns.

Late entry: Simson Garfinkel, Adopting Fair Information Practices to Low Cost RFID Systems, 2002. A very good starting point for the papers above!