Blocker Tags to Protect Privacy From RFID Tags

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.

Comments

Shoplifting?

[ksuMacGyver]

Wonder how this would affect shoplifting? Just wear the watch and walk out $0 deducted from your bank account?!

RFID Silliness

[ticklemeozmo]

Seriously, how long does it take to seperate whites from darks and if you are in that serious need of time, you have a scheduling issue.

On a tin-foil-hat note: this is how freedoms are taken away.

• "It's for convienence!"
• "But it'll save time... no one is going to monitor what types of razor blades you buy."
• "If you just swipe your finger, you'll check out quicker, save time and money 5% off to customers who use RFID!"
• "I'm sorry, but it's a requirement that all people have RFID tags in their heads. well, people were cutting off their fingers to not be tracked by us. And anyone who doesn't submit to InstaTrace is considered a criminal."

I hate to sound like a Montanian, but consider this when security and freedoms are concerned (I forget who said it, didn't bother googling).

"When you draw a line in the sand, and step over it, it does not appear to be a big step from your last position, so you allow it. But if you continue to allow it, over time, you will realize (albeit, probably too late) that you do not have your original position in sight as you turn around."