"they" are watching

There is a growing use of RFID (Radio Fequency Identification) in the world these days. Walmart has incorporated this technology on a world wide level, average Joe's have implanted chips into their hand, and millions of products are being packaged along with an RFID chip as you read this including beer kegs. These RFID tags are allowing companies to track their entire inventory the second it comes in/out the door. They help lost pets get back to their owners. Lugage to be tracked with incredible accuracy. They allow an average Joe to open his garage door, pay for groceries, start his car, and in case of emergencies, can have his complete medical record available anywhere without carrying keys or a wallet. Imagine walking into a store and picking up what you want, then walking out the door without having to wait in the checkout line. Without getting arrested for shop lifting. Simple, the RFID chip implanted in you hand is linked to your credit card, and when you walk out the door, sensors in the door frame read and charge the account for your selection which is packaged with a RFID chip. The possibility of this has been around for years, but due to a increased availability, and smaller size it is now becoming a reality for anyone who wants to embrace it. What price do we pay for such a convenience? What effect will this have on our privacy? The RFID chips are passive, which means that they only generate a signal when queried by an outside device. The average range is from 3-5 inches but can be amplified up to 30 feet. How hard would it be for someone with the right equipment to walk by and "steal" your credit card without ever touching it? How hard would it be for your progress to be tracked as you walk from store to store in the mall? Will those stores then remember your interests and record them for use at a later date? This is just the beginning, and these are all questions that you need to ask before you willingly embrace this technology. Research ways to protect your most important possession -yourself- Find out what "they" are doing to protect you, and what may potentially harm you. Look around for RFID "shielded"wallets and purses. Try not to take it to an extreme but it can pay to be a little paranoid. That's all for today thanks for reading all of this. Please post a comment if you have any further thoughts.

Song o' the day - Father and Daughter - Paul Simon