Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

US Passports To Recieve RFID Chips

Posted by Zonk on from the like-it-or-not-here-they-come dept.

connah0047 writes "The Washington Post reports that US passports will be getting RFID chips by October of 2006. Despite security concerns, the U.S. has now committed to putting RFID chips in the passports of all U.S. citizens. The new regulations will mean that all new and renewing U.S. passports will contain RFID chips by October 2006. While some believe this is a step forward, there are major privacy and security issues with the wireless technology."

5 of 309 comments (clear)

  1. Wonder how long it'll be... by Mister+White · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Wonder how long until this gets whored out..Unfortunately for us, RFID chips can be read by any schmuck walking down the block with a scanner, not just the ones at the customs desk in the airport. Essentially, you may as well just pass out flyers with your personal information on them...Is this REALLY where we should be heading?

    --
    "Crime fighters fight crime. Fire fighters fight fire. What do freedom fighters fight?" -George Carlin
    1. Re:Wonder how long it'll be... by Mister+White · · Score: 3, Insightful

      While I appreciate the fact that there will be anti-skimming and encryption incorporated, that is not going to be sufficient. Just consider how strong the encryption can POSSIBLY be, as the chips currently available are only 128-bit. Plus, given the value of the information contained therein, I would bet someone would be putting cracking that encryption scheme on the top of their to-do list. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this info be VERY useful to...say...terrorists, who have virtually endless resources?

      --
      "Crime fighters fight crime. Fire fighters fight fire. What do freedom fighters fight?" -George Carlin
  2. Enhanced productivity. by OgGreeb · · Score: 3, Insightful

    On the plus side, it will be much easier for terrorists to wave a RFID scanner and pick out the Americans on an international flight.

    --
    -- Gary Goldberg KA3ZYW 301/249-6501 AIM:OgGreeb Digital Marketing Inc., Bowie, MD //www.digimark.net/
  3. X-Ray Scanning? by forand · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So what happens to the RFID when it goes through a dozen X-Ray scans? How about just sitting in my pocket at 35k ft? Have these chips been tested to show that they will continue to work after normal wear of a passport? My passport certainly takes a beating everytime I travel: x-rays, increased radiation due to high elevation, bending, humidity, etc. I doubt all these things have been tested for.

    I really don't want to have to wait and hour and miss my flight as the prove that I am who my passport says I am just because some stupid chip failed.

  4. Re:the passports of all U.S. citizens by DrSkwid · · Score: 3, Insightful

    If you want a taste of freedom you should try visiting France disguised as a black North African. You'll soon find out how much fun having no papers is.

    --
    There are places where the networks are not touching,and there are places where they are-Boeing's Lori Gunter