Microchips everywhere: - Page 3

jmc · 31st January 2008, 04:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel

Are they still in business?

Ronco is still very much around, as is Ron Popeil (although he is retired now).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guy N. Heels

Besides, the military has used "radiation hardened" chips for decades. So what's to stop the private sector from buying those same chips?

Price. Radiation-hardened chips are pricey. I don't see anybody shucking out the $$$ for rad-hard RFID tags no matter how nosey they are. Further, RFID tags have to be somewhat sensitive to radio-frequency energy -- it is kind of a necessity for that application. A highly-directed beam of intense RF energy will reduce them to amorphous silicon, regardless of how hardened they were. At that point they will be no more responsive than a handful of beach sand.

Dr. Shoe · 31st January 2008, 13:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by yozz

Once all the chips are in place it will be a small step to pass a law that makes it
illegal to destroy or swap chips.

Anyway the problem is not with the intended use. It is more with the abuse.
I remember cases of burglars getting information from people working at insurance
companies, so that they would know where there were things to steal.
This is a bit similar. With the proper electronics some criminal could go through a street
and 'see' exactly where people would have certain valuable items.
And I am sure I am missing the really creative applications.

Actually I don't think that these scenarios will actually happen. Firstly they will have to pass a law that states that it is illegal to sell or buy secondhand goods, lend a friend something and to give gifts. This will be a fundemental infringement of human rights as all cultures and religions have gifting holidays such as Christmas, Diwali, Khanuka, Ede etc. How are you going to be able to give a wedding or birthday present? Secondly, it will be illegal to give prizes and as most prize competitions are part of a data gathering and advertising excercise it will hurt the very people the legislation is meant to protect.

Secondly, I reckon that the readers will read the serial numbers of chips and only the suppliers will know which goods these apply to and the information is likely to be classified. This is because a supplier is unlikely to want their competitors to know who their customers are.

Also, burglars are unlike to steal anything that can be easily tracked so therefore burglary is likely to drop rather than increase.