Final Proposal

Image Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation (www.eff.org)

My final paper will discuss the problems that arise from the technology of Radio Frequency Identification, specifically when used in passports. This technology, known more commonly as RFID, has gotten a good deal of attention lately with new plans for its use. I plan to explain what exactly the RFID technology is, what uses for this technology are planned, and how it is already in use today.

I will explain in great depth what the RFID technology is, using a definitional argument. The use of RFID technology consists of two parts, a tag/transponder (used to store information) and a reader/transceiver (used to retrieve the information). The main idea of these tags is to serve the same purpose as a barcode. However, these electronic chips are capable of holding much more information than a barcode, and are much harder to duplicate. Also, it is not necessary for an RFID reader to be in contact with the RFID tag to acquire the information stored in the tag. This will allow for manufacturers to more precisely track each individual product from the manufacturer, to the sale, to your home, then even to the trash. This would allow better tracking of what happens to each item, in turn letting stores service their customers better. This may sound like a good idea, but the downsides ultimately outweigh the advantages.

The United States government is trying to use this technology in passports. There is a need to stop this technology from entering passports and other forms of identification for several reasons. First off, none of the information stored in an RFID tag/transponder is encrypted. This means that anyone with an RFID reader can get all of the information on any tag in the area. In the case of the passport or driver’s license, the information that can be read or stolen could include identification such as a full name, nationality, date of birth, place of birth, and addresses.

I will also evaluate the uses of RFID technology that already exist to prove the danger of implementing this technology into passports. This will require evaluative and causal arguments. Already, stores keep records on consumers’ habits via loyal customers with discount cards. These stores have also been known to sell this data they collect. With the new RFID technology, manufacturers gain the power to track many details about their products such as its origin. However, this technology can be turned around to track the consumer and used by the government as well. Also, the information stored in the tag will most likely not go away. An example is after you buy the product with the RFID tag, your bank account could be linked with the tag, and years later you may not have the certain product anymore, but your bank account can still be linked to it. Another downside is that any information contained in any of these tags could be used in court. This clearly shows the concern of Big Brother watching the consumers.

My goal is to convince students who may be affected by RFID tags in passports and driver’s licenses that RFID technology in the wrong places can lead to serious privacy and security threats. A way to stop this technology from creating these threats is to inform people about the problems with it. If people know of the dangers this technology can create, the technology will not be supported. A causal argument will prove that informing fellow students about the dangers and preventing this technology to enter passports will keep one’s personal information more private. There are many organizations that are fighting the implementation of RFID. One example is the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) who wrote a 33 page document to the Office of Passport Policy detailing reasons the U.S. government should not follow through with the proposal of RFID passports. Supporting organizations such as the EFF and informing the general population of the harmful effects of RFID will make the Office of Passport Policy reconsider.

Sources:
• Unknown Authors. “RFID – Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia.” November 21, 2005.
Wikipedia.com. November 21, 2005 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID>
• Unknown Author. “RFID Update – RFID Passport Controversy Heats Up.” April 1st, 2005.
RFID Update. 21, 2005 <http://www.rfidupdate.com/articles/index.php?id=839>
• James, Louis. “Tech Central Station – Big Brother in Your Shopping Cart?” July 23, 2004.
Tech Central Station. November 21, 2005 <http://www.techcentralstation.com/072304B.html>
• Balkovich, Edward et al. Do You Know If Your Boss Knows Where You Are? Pittsburgh, PA: RAND, 2005.