RFID Tags and Privacy Concerns in Washington State

RFID , RFID Tags and Privacy Concerns in Washington State

Radio Frequency Identification , also known as RFID , pertain to an automatic identification method that rely on RFID tags to store and remotely retrieve data . The RFID tags are devices to objects to obtain and store vital information . This information is stored on existing records or database when read by the RFID receivers , by means of radio waves . Encryption is used to protect the data being transmitted between the tags and the reader (Paxar Americas , Inc ,2004 Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario Hewlett

Packard , 2008 Piasecki 2008

Generally , RFID systems are categorized into four

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS ) Systems - These systems are generally used in retail stores to track an object or product . The merchandises are placed with tags and large antenna readers are placed near the exit of the store . This ensures that no product is taken or disposed of without authorization

Networked Systems - These systems are characterized by a centralized information management system or database . The RFID readers are placed in fixed positions and the RFID tags are placed on objects and /or on people

Positioning Systems - These systems are typically used for automatically locating vehicles or items with RFID tags

Portable Data Capture Systems - These systems are typified by the use of portal RFID readers . Thus , these systems are used in different ways because of its portability (Electronic Privacy Information Center 2008

However , there are also other categorizations for RFID systems

RFID systems may be classified as referential or non-referential Referential RFID systems are the systems that contain a unique key or data string , allowing information to be retrieved from a database . If the database or the centralized system is down , the RFID system may not be able to function properly . Non-referential RFID systems are those that store most , if not all , of the data needed for system 's operation in the RFID tag . This allows operations and decisions to be made based on the data in the tag . This also allows the RFID system to work even if the network and database are down or data cannot be accessed from it (Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario Hewlett Packard 2008

RFID systems may also be categorized as having either a closed or open loop application . RFID systems considered to have closed loop applications are those that are utilized entirely by only one company or organization . RFID systems classified as having open loop applications are those that are intended for the use of several organizations . This implies that standards and protocols are applied to all organizations and the members concerned . Examples of RFID systems having an open loop application are those used in supply-chain management wherein items have to be tracked in different locations and in various organizations (Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario Hewlett Packard 2008

There are three kinds of RFID tags : passive , active and semi-passive Passive RFID tags do not have an internal power source and requires a signal from the RFID reader to...