University of Washington Tracking the Edge of Privacy

Roland Piquepaille writes "We've been told for several years that RFID tags would eventually be everywhere. This isn't the case yet, but researchers at the University of Washington would like to know if the future of social networking could be affected by these tags and check the balance between privacy and utility. They've deployed 200 antennas in one UW building and a dozen researchers are carrying RFID tags on them. According to the Seattle Times, all their moves are tracked every second in the building. Of course, it can be practical to know if a colleague is available for a cup of coffee but this kind of system (if in widespread use) has some serious implications. As the lead researcher said, 'what we want to understand is what makes it useful, what makes it threatening and how to balance the two.'"

Comments

Comparison to social networking

[Ethanol-fueled]

As long as carrying an RFID tag is 100% opt-in and semi-passive or active RFID tags are used so that the user could switch it off at any time if privacy is desired. This would be a good way to make RFID tracking analogous to social networking(as stated in the summary) -- that is, I can choose not to "install" the "software". If I choose to "install" the "software", then I should also be able to set it to "privacy" or "stealth" mode so that nobody could track or bother me while I'm coding.

I do support 100% RFID-style monitoring in sensitive places(such as the NSA) which are involved with national security...and AT&T dosen't count :P

Re:Comparison to social networking

[geekboy642]

Oh. That's a fantastic idea. Equip every worker in a highly sensitive secure area with a device that immediately reveals who they are to anyone with $20 of equipment once they leave the secure area. Because, you know, I think it's great if some random NSA worker gets off work, wants to grab a tasty Starbucks' non-coffee beverage on the way home, and is assailed by ${RANDOM-ANTI-US-RADICAL} because she was carrying a tag that electronically identified her.