WEB VIDEO OF THE WEEK

An increasing number of marketers are apparently implanting Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) into products to monitor consumer behavior after they leave stores. The tiny chips, hidden unnoticeably in the product or its packaging, can be read though your homes walls, thereby allowing marketers to know exactly when and where you are using a specific product. Marketers claim it's completely legal, while opponents refer to them as "spy chips". Check out this website to see a short animated video depicting some of RFID's current capabilities:

http://www.spychips.com/RFIDclothingstoredemo.html


From Organic Consumers Fund

Spychips

08/14/06

RFID-laced passports may be just the start of an Orwellian airport experience, warn privacy advocates and authors Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre as the nation braces for a rollout of the controversial technology in passports this week.

They point to a U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) concept video created by CompEx Inc. that shows how citizens can be tracked and monitored throughout an airport terminal — without their knowledge or consent.The animated flash clip is posted on the authors' website at:
http://www.spychips.com/RFIDairport.html

In the video, citizen "Bob" is remotely identified and tracked via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices as he enters an airport and navigates to his gate. The video ends with chilling frames of a government agent surreptitiously scanning Bob and his belongings as he sits in the waiting area... [Editpr's note: If this doesn't give you cold chills, I dunno what will.-MLS]

http://www.spychips.com/press-releases/orwellian-rfid-airport.html


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp

by Katherine Albrecht & Liz McIntyre

On the eve of a major RFID apparel and footwear conference, privacy activists are asking questions about an Orwellian industry video presentation depicting the use of Radio Frequency Identification at an American Eagle Outfitters store. The animated video, created by technology integrator CompEx Inc., depicts how a retailer could embed the controversial technology into clothing and credit cards to.....

http://www.newswithviews.com/McIntyre/Liz9.htm

A German computer security consultant has shown that he can clone the electronic passports that the United States and other countries are beginning to distribute this year.

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/1,71521-0.html


From Information Clearing House