EU RFID Risks Manageable in Near Term Riskier in Networked Future

European technology study group assesses the use of RFID technology and its challenges. The analysis sees current privacy risks as limited, but envisions future risks associated with integrated information sources that may allow mining of the aggregate information, which could increase the likelihood of potential surveillance. ...

... "Although a more comprehensive survey would need to be undertaken to draw definite conclusions, these first accounts suggest that, relative to the scale of implementation, few Identity Management issues actually occur. In general, both user and maintainer of the RFID settings perceive RFID merely as an electronic key or wallet. The reason for this can be twofold. First of all, in all the cases it is clear who maintains the data and needs to comply with the guidelines on data protection. Second, many systems currently only cover a small area of a specific setting and run parallel to legacy systems. The RFID systems therefore only disclose small fragments of their users’ identity, limiting the maintainers' possibilities for control. " ...

Via European Union Scientific Technology Options Assessment: RFID and Identity Management in Everyday Life (PDF)

RFID Technology Goes Postal in Spain

Spanish Postal Service, Correos, deploys the RFID Anywhere platform in Europe. its implementation of a radio frequency control system, called Q-RFID, is in a number of Automated Processing Centers and bulk Admission Centers. The RFID technology deployment enables the company to drive quality control and traceability of deliveries. ...

... "Correos' successful implementation of one of the largest RFID projects in Europe highlights the potential of RFID solutions. The state-controlled company required its RFID solution to be integrated into the Correos computer systems, resulting in the purchase of 13,000 passive electronic labels and installation of more than 2,300 permanent antennas and over 331 readers for the 16 APCs and the additional Admission Centers. The RFID Anywhere-powered solution gives Correos the ability to monitor the status and transit time of a letter at each stage of the delivery process, allowing the company to oversee the entire process and adopt corrective measures when a fault is detected in the system. Correos is one of the earliest to use RFID technology to comply with the standards set by the European Union (ETSI EN 302 208-1 and EPC GEN 2) and to be approved at the state level by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade. " ...

Via Sybase iAnywhere: Spanish Postal Service Deploys Sybase iAnywhere RFID Technology

European Perspective on RFID Technology

European Union provides results of regional survey on RFID technology. ...

... "RFID – smart radio tags - are the keystone of the emerging Internet of Things that will connect objects and places. " ...

Via European Union: Radio Frequency IDentification RFID - The Internet of things - European Perspective



Survey reveals key findings, such as mixed views on the benefits of RFID, belief in a higher risk to privacy due to RFID, and a general lack of adequate information on RFID to support education of citizens. Europeans want to continue the dialogue on the privacy risks of RFID. ...

... "Overall, 60% of respondents feel that there is insufficient information available to make an informed analysis of RFID technologies. There is therefore considerable support for awareness and information campaigns. Views on whether RFID can improve the lives of Europeans are evenly split. The benefits mentioned include food safety (identification of allergens, more comprehensive information, easier product recalls), healthcare (prevention of drug misuse, authentication) or supply chain management (fewer stocks-out, better after sales service). Privacy, health and environmental risks are among the RFID concerns given." ...