Week 7

This week we learned through a set of intersting articles what an RFID is. RFID stands for radio frequency identification, it is a tinny microchip that listens for radio waves. When it hears them it responds and sends back a signal. These chips can be used to track people through the objects they surround themselves with. For example they are thinking of putting these chips in peoples clothing and food bags.
Two potential benefits of RFID's are: 1. RIFD's can reduce theft a great deal, one retailer estimated it would save them $50 billion dollars a year in theft. 2. Another advantage to RIFD's is the convenience. One day shoppers might just be able to go pick the item off the shelf and not have to wait in line to purchase it. The RIFD would just send a single to there account and doc the money from there secure RIFD account.
Two privacy concerns are:1. It can be used to abuse peoples rights and freedoms. This new technology allows us to see where any person is at any given time, that can be dangerously abused if not handled by responsible people. For example if someone wants to find out if there spouse is cheating on them they can petition to get there RIFD records. Or say a burglar is casing a alley to see if there is any expensive electronic wear near by, they can just check the RIFD signals in the area.