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Blocker Tags to Protect Privacy From RFID Tags

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the arms-race-for-secrecy dept.

geekee writes "According to an article at CNET, RSA Security is developing a 'blocker' tag that disrupts RFID tag transmissions, protecting a person's privacy from those who would abuse RFID technology. The blocker tag would be embedded in your watch, for instance. This method has an advantage over destroying the RFID tags after purchase because useful information on the tag could help consumers (e.g. laundry instructions)." According to the RSA scientist quoted in the article, privacy concerns regarding RFID have been overblown, but it's still worth being proactive when finding ways to defeat the tags.

3 of 295 comments (clear)

  1. God I hate those tags by Dancin_Santa · · Score: 5, Funny

    I haven't ever seen one, nor have I heard of any stores stocking merchandise equipped with them, but the price of Freedom is eternal vigilantism.

  2. But... by cliffy2000 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Just remember to take off your RFID blocker watch before trying to get on a plane. Try explaining THAT to airport security:
    You: "It's a watch that protects my privacy from the invasive government by sending out waves of non-dangerous radiation!"
    Them: "Terrorist!"
    You: "But it's just radio wa-wahhhhhhh!" *getting taken away in handcuffs*

  3. Re:Going lotech by acceleriter · · Score: 5, Funny

    Is it bad if my mind was in the gutter and I knew she's the robot from the Jetsons?

    --

    CEE5210S The signal SIGHUP was received.