EU Commissioner Viviane Reding heads off any attempts to track consumers and
their preferences using RFID tags.
<http://editorial.incisivemedia.com/c/119oguJf5LYE98VoVT>
Dave Bailey, Computing 12 May 2009
EU Commissioner Viviane Reding has called for firms wishing to use radio
frequency identification (RFID) tags to track consumer purchases to abide by
strict privacy guidelines.
"No European should carry a chip in one of their possessions without being
informed precisely what they are used for, with the choice of removing or
switching it off at any time," said Reding.
--snip--
Reding said that privacy considerations must not be overlooked.
--snip--
The recommendation published today adds to those proposals by providing
guidance on how to implement RFID applications in a manner that protects
privacy and personal data. It suggests giving consumers the option to opt-in
approach tp RFID.
This approach would mean tags are deactivated or removed if they present a
threat to privacy or data protection, unless consumers give their consent to
keep their tags active.
The Commission also recommends that the presence of a tag should be,
indicated through a sign on the product itself, or on its packaging. The
European Standardisation Organisations is currently defining a standard sign
that will be used throughout Europe.
----
Mark Perkins MLIS, MCLIP
www.markperkins.info
https://keyserver.pgp.com/
|