RFID Privacy

RFID

Jeffrey PiontekLead Instructional Technology SpecialistRegion 2 NYC Department of Education

What are RFID tags, and how do they work?

RFID tags are electronic chips that emit radiosignals. Tags can be active or passive. Oftenan RFID tag contains only a unique identifieralthough some may contain more information.Different tags transmit at a distance that maybe limited to a fraction of an inch or extend to1,500 feet. The system with which a tag communicatesoften creates and stores informationabout where a tag is, what time it passes areader and may relate that information to a purchaseor the movement of materials or people.

RFID

Who is using it?– Walmart – EZ Pass and SmartTag for toll roads– Exxon Speedpass– New car security systems– Agriculture– Libraries– Records Management

How does it work?

• A tag is affixed to a resource.

• The tag is programmed to be recognized by the system.

• The tag can be scanned by a reader device to help manage the collection of resources.

Types of Tags

PassiveNo imbedded power source. Weaker signal.

Active Imbedded power source. Stronger signal.

Readers

Forward and Backward Channels

Hash-Based Access Control

Randomized Access Control

Silent Tree Walking

Educational Uses

Most widely known is the libraryTextbook storesStudent Identification CardsMeal Plans in colleges and universities

How are libraries using RFID?

Tags on books, videos, DVD/CD Self-checkoutAutomated book return Automated sorting of books for large systems

Inventory Assistance

Use handheld equipment to inventory the collection or resources.

Find lost and misplaced books/files/boxes.

Handheld Devices

RFID – Policy Issues

Data CollectionPrivacy ConcernsPublic and staff education about the

realities of RFID and how information will be used.

RFID - Cons

Expensive equipment and materials.Difficulty reading tags.Still a new technology – many issues with

standards and security.

Cons continued…..

RFID tags: Big Brother in small packages RFID Foes Find Righteous Ally  Used improperly, RFID has the potential to jeopardize

consumer privacy, reduce or eliminate purchasing anonymity, and threaten civil liberties.

Auto-ID: The worst thing that ever happened to consumer privacy

Spychips: How Major Corporations and Government Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID

Stop RFIDs in California IDsTell Your Lawmakers to Vote "YES" to SB 682

Feds Rethinking RFID Passport

RFID - Pros

Easier and faster inventoryFaster checkoutsFaster sorting – automated handlingSave staff time, repetitive tasksUtilize staff on other projects & services

Future Applications Maintaining shelf stocks in retail environments Tagging pets Proximity badges for building access Clothing – anti-forgery, customer returns Parenting logistics

– Water park uses RFID bracelets to track children “Smart” appliances

– Refrigerators that automatically create shopping lists– Ovens that know how to cook pre-packaged food

“Smart” products– Clothing, appliances, CDs tagged for store returns

“Smart” paper– Airline tickets that indicate your location in the airport– Library books– Business cards

Recycling– Plastics that sort themselves