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NYT on RFID Tags
indros13 writes "The NY Times is running a story on the radio tagging of merchandise. Companies like Gillette want to make sure their razors are in stock and stores like Wal-Mart want to make sure you can find your paisley panties, size 10. But what happens to privacy when everything you buy can be tracked from store floor to door?"
My cross dressing days are over! Everybody will know I'm wearing paisley panties!
I think that it'd be cool if my Hello Kitty stuffed animal could identify things via RFID...
Basketball: Hello Kitty!
Kitty: Hello Basketball!
Life is the leading cause of death in America.
So, does this mean that the (in)famous walmart $300 PC now sells with built in 802.11???
Wait till they start radio-tagging the tinfoil hats. Then you won't know what the hell to do, will ya?
...Faraday shopping bag?
But what happens to privacy when everything you buy can be tracked from store floor to door?
If you're really worried about them tracking your RF tags, try mailling them to Siberia or something. If they really are watching you, that ought to get their attention.
*bzzt* rf-control to watcher-one. he is currently travelling on a fed-ex jet to moscow with his latest consignment of razor blades. over" *bzzt*
*bzzt* "roger rf-control. will continue tracking and advise, over" *bzzt*
(Spudley Strikes Again!)
There actually could be some benefits to this. With this type of technology you could find many upsides such as:
The possiblities are endless! Embrace the benifits of new technology, it's all for your own good.
Ok, I'm done - sarcasm off. I still think the office thing would be fun though.
Are you bovilexic? Moo!
Winona Ryder goes to prison.
I also reply below your current threshold.
Also, can they be completely deactivated, so that even unusual equipment cannot track your stuff everywhere.
Weight Watchers talking sign: 'Sir, we notice you've been buying bigger blue jeans lately. How about stepping in to your local Weight Watchers center?'
Donate background CPU time to fight cancer.
> The fact that they continue to work for a very long time and the fact that they are, or can be, completely unique means that a store can identify YOU by your panties.
Yet another reason not to wear panties.
has anyone else had the thought that maybe by putting your new shirt, panties, ect in a microwave for a few seconds you would effectively destroy the RFID when you got it home if you were so inclined? I can definitely see a problem with anything metal but since i'm not into BDSM i don't wear metal panties....
Suddenly You and your panties are trackable in every store you go to
Taking this suggestion from the automobile tire RFID thread, why not just swap panties with strangers?
Take THAT Big Brother!
Where does the school board find them and why do they keep sending them to ME?
Everyone take of all of your clothes right now, and find the nearest microwave!
Also, on the less overarching but more embarassing side for young women, random guys with laptops can read the RFID tags of all the clothes worn by passing women and snicker about the brand, size, and whatever else of the panties worn by decoding the ID.
And that's just RFIDing clothes... what if over the counter medicines were tagged?
"Hey Bob! Digestion acting up? I see you're carrying immodium again!"
Yes, but now I can eliminate bad date choices with my minature RFID scanner. I can choose only the women wearing the black thongs. Now, does no signal mean nothing at all?
I think the term, "going commando", will take on a whole new meaning.
- Buy merchandise
- Remove tag, reactivate anf affix to your underwear
- Return to store
- Try to leave store
- Insist that if they want to search your shorts, you'll only let (pick the cutest staffer) do the search, and it must be in public, to protect your rights
- Sue (profit)
or, to do the MasterCard thingee...Just carry around little EMP's to fry them in store.
It seems to me that the main use of these transmitters is just to do the job of lazy employees. For instance, with the Gap store, why wouldn't they be looking at their shelves? Shouldn't the employees restock the shelves once they are emptied? Isn't that why they work there?
Moreover, this has the chance to obviate the checkout procedure altogether. Who wouldn't consider that a giant step forward?
The thought of a wife going to the store, grabbing stuff and walking out, and then getting the bill at the end of the month ought to scare the living shit out of every husband on Earth.
They day that happens, I cancel every card we have.
just microwave your panties before you wear them. Not only will they be nice and toasty but the RFID will be fried.