Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been an emerging technology for years. It allows a retail store to track inventory in real time without the inconvenience of counting the product over and over again simply by putting a small tag on the product and syncing it with a receiver and computer software.
Retail giant, Walmart, has decided to begin implementing RFID in its stores much to the chagrin of privacy advocates nationwide. According to the privacy advocates, Walmart could potentially track clothing purchased at their stores well after the product leaves the store. This has many consumers worrying that “big brother” is getting a little too close for comfort. Others are more sympathetic and understand the necessity to track inventory and prevent theft.
Walmart intends to inform their clients of the program using store signage and the tags are easily removable and clearly labeled. Walmart also states that the technology requires special scanners and that they will only work within fifteen feet of the RFID tags (Delano, 2010).
One has to wonder whether the privacy advocacy groups are overstating their position on RFID or if this will lead to a true violation of personal privacy. Time will have to tell whether the buyer should beware.
Reference:
Delano, J. (2010). Walmart Puts Tracking Code In Some Products. Retrieved from http://kdka.com/consumer/Walmart.tracking.clothes.2.1822271.html.
Hogwash on the privacy issue…that one is dead and gone. The RFID number is just that, a number. Unless you have access to the database the corresponds to that number…like your car license plate…you have no information. BTW…Phil Donohue tried to make this claim years ago with the bar code. Note to all privacy folks…please move to upstate Michigan where you can all live in suspicion and misery together and leave us alone!