Little that we know Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFID) has been widely use around the world. Further development of this technology such as RFID implants and RFID embedded passports has given rise to controversies regarding privacy and security.
Jasion Pillows explained it well in his article “PRIVACY ISSUES (RFID)”. In his article, he briefly explained the RFID technology and its history. One interesting fact that he pointed out was that the RFID technology was developed from the British’s Identity friend or foe (IFF) system used in WW2 to detect friendly forces. A brief explanation of the RFID technology highlighted its benefits and uses. He explained the types of RFID transmitter and transponder devices and the pros and cons of each type. He then explained his main idea regarding RFID privacy issues. His overview on “Human Chipping” tells us about the uses of RFID for healthcare (plant RFID in patients for quick data reference) and public places (chip VIPs for recognition and transaction). He also explained the controversies that link to the uses such as vulnerability to data alteration and virus infection on RFID chip. He ended off by stating his stand, a neutral, “I am not an advocate for either side; I am simply discussing the issues” (Pillows, 2007).
Another article is by Michael Grisso titled “Is Placing Microchips in Humans the New Slavery?” In this article Grisso explained the motives of planting microchips in humans. One of it is the ploy to get terrorist prospects implanted with microchips so they can be tracked. Like the 1st article, he also explained the risk of having this technology (ability to retrieve invaluable data and information). However, he also briefly explained the consequences if a criminal is planted, he cannot escape from the eyes of the satellites while having the microchip. A quote from Grisso (2009) “In the end we will all be puppets in the bigger picture” suggest that he is against the idea of this technology as privacy can be intruded by authorities.
After reading the two articles, my knowledge about microchip implantation in humans broadened. Both articles are useful in my preparation for the roundtable discussion as both articles highlighted the pros and cons of the technology. They also gave quite similar points of arguments, intrusion of privacy. However, I would say that the 1st article is more elaborate about the uses and the consequences. It also gave more examples to relate to the technology.
Five words/ phrases:
backscatter data – deflection of data
daunting – discouraging through fear
malicious code – designed to take an action that, if the end user knew about, s/he would not permit to happen
prospects – an apparent probability of advancement, success, profit, etc.
mandatory – authoritatively ordered; obligatory; compulsory
References:
Pillows.J, 2007, “PRIVACY ISSUES (RFID)”
http://citebm.business.uiuc.edu/TWC%20Class/Project_reports_Spring2007/Privacy%20Issues/pillows2/pillows2.pdf
Grisso.M, 2009, “Is Placing Microchips in Humans the New Slavery?”
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/802923/is_placing_microchips_in_humans_the.html?cat=15
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