RFID chips that can be used to scan inventory are either the latest, greatest way to track large pallets entering the retail warehouse or another step toward a world where Big Brother watches your every movement-and tracks every purchase you make.
Privacy advocates fear the little devices can be used to track not only what you buy in the store, but what you come into the store wearing, carrying and holding. They claim that companies like Wal-Mart that are testing RFID won’t turn the miniature tracking devices off-and consumers won’t even know where the little chip is located to remove it-so each time you go back into Wal-Mart, its scanners will be able to read what you are wearing and what is in your purse or wallet. (For the record, my purse contains too many credit cards, one cell phone, pictures of the world’s two cutest children, candy wrappers-not mine, I’m sure-old Kleenex and some keys. Boy, I bet Wal-Mart can’t wait to keep tabs on me!)
RFID advocates promise the chip readers will be used only as inventory comes into the store (most often at the back of the store), and the scanners are short range, so consumers at the checkout stand won’t be able to be tracked.
It’s the same song with a slightly new verse as technological advances that can be used to better the enterprise must be balanced against privacy concerns in an increasingly invasive world.
I’m already tracked. Toys R Us asks for my phone number each time I make a purchase there. Sometimes I give it, sometimes I lie (555-0000), depending on my mood. I have customer loyalty cards for two grocery stores. I have a love/hate relationship with both of them. Is it really any of the supermarket’s concern to track what I spend there each month and on what? Nevertheless, it’s irritating if I forget my loyalty card and don’t get the sale prices on my groceries. The four Colorado Rockies baseball tickets that I was able to purchase for $16 (that’s a bargain) because I spent the allotted amount at the store somewhat ease the pain.
Every time I make a cell-phone call, I could be tracked. E911 implementation and mobile location services will make it even easier to pinpoint me.
People will always find good and bad ways to use technical advances. Certainly, when the cell phone was invented, no one saw it as a detonating device for bombs.
Instead of fighting the technology, industry and privacy advocates need to make sure it is used appropriately. And when it is misused, to stop it and correct it. And to find a way to get inexpensive tickets to sporting events without having to compromise your privacy.
