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 and Garfinkel's papers are perhaps the best starting point.
-
Simson Garfinkel,
Adopting Fair Information Practices to Low Cost RFID Systems,
2002. A very good starting point!
- Bruce Eckfeldt,
What does RFID do for the Consumer?:
a discussion of advantages of RFID for the rest of us.
- Frank Stajano, RFID is X-Ray Vision,
more on potential consumer concerns.
- 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?