RFID
Oct 9 2006 09:12
Hey all Defy ID guys,
I was just wondering whether you guys are doing something about the RFID spychips to be put in everything and everywhere? While it is not up there as "the mark of the beast" yet, there are some privacy issues linked to it like surveillance of shoppers at Tesco's, RFID in passports etc.
all the best
atle
Oct 9 2006 12:40
#2
Thanks for the info/links.
I do not have any suggestions about passports, I was hoping to get some advice!!!! As of yet I have a normal passport (the ID page is actually handwritten!!!), but my next one will be RFID. I was so stupid as to wait for too long to renew that all of a sudden I have no choice. Doh!
Does foil work? I would just leave it at home when not being used regardless of any laws stipulating that carrying some form of ID is compulsory (but then again I am at low risk of being asked for my ID since I am white and look like the average joe).
The woman that wrote Spychips (Albrecht) is very busy speakig to all kinds of christian organizations about RFID as the mark of the beast. She also did a Christian version of her Spychip book. Anyhoo, she's done some good work.
Oct 10 2006 13:19
#3
Here's a good one from the Times newspaper today,
although clearly a PR exercise by the industry (survey was done for Institute for Grocery Distribution, IGD and Electronic Data Systems, EDS).
Speed through the checkout with just a wave of your arm:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2396043.html
Not mentioned at all in this report is that EDS are well-known for their part in a number of British IT scheme 'fiascos' including the 'Child Support Agency' (due to be scrapped), 'Inland revenue (tax)', 'MOD (military) payroll' etc.:
EDS under fire over £456m child support IT fiasco
http://management.silicon.com/government/0,39024677,39126001,00.htm
UK Inland Revenue may sue EDS
http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2005/07/04/revenue_acts_eds/
So hopefully they will get the contract for ID cards/database 
at least they seem to want it...
ID Cards on Trial: EDS wants in on project
http://www.silicon.com/research/specialreports/idcards/0,3800010140,39131230,00.htm
EDS are already behind the London Underground 'Oyster Card' which is an RFID card that is used to pay for travel but tracks your movement at the same time.
Nice company.
Oct 10 2006 13:31
#4
although you don't have to registar your oyster card at present. Ol' red Ken tried to extend it's use bymaking possible to buy small goods (newspaper etc ) at stations but couldn't get any companies interested to risk finanacing it. Locally here in lewisham our librery cards are supposed to become combined with oyster cards at some time. Haven't heard anything about this for awhile.
Oct 10 2006 13:33
#5
Hi Jason - register? What does that mean - thanks.
Oh and latest RFID thing in London seems to be this (linked from http://www.notags.co.uk/):
Electronic tags for cars as congestion charge spreads out
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,19509-2052108,00.html
By the way , I seem to recall Private Eye dragging up some dodgy links between Labour Party minister(s) and EDS contracts. Anyone know more?
Oct 10 2006 13:39
#6
register right my pelling is atrocious (had to look that up)
Oct 10 2006 13:43
#7
I didn't mean the spelling! Do you mean that the Oyster doesn't track you unless you register it?
I think that RFID has been identified as part of the problem by most people involved in anti-ID campaigning in Britain e.g. an article by Anarchist Federation is here:
http://flag.blackened.net/af/ace/anon.html#rfid
You are right, new 'biometric passports' have RFID chips with personal info on them. Do you have any suggestions other than putting the passport in a foil case when not in use?
PS Oh yes, I noticed the 'mark of the beast' thing is gaining some currency online
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/08/05/rfid_chip_boycott/
especially for under the skin tags like Verichip, and especially in USA.