AIM Global editorial series spotlights RFID privacy and security

AIM Global, the professional association recognized as the worldwide authority on automatic identification and mobility, has published ‘RFID: For the Common Good’ in RFID Connections. This article, written by Dan Mullen, president of AIM Global, highlights RFID's proven benefits for enhancing security, safety and product authentication while addressing concerns expressed about privacy issues. This article is part of an ongoing series addressing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) industry issues.

‘It’s important to realize that RFID is not a monolithic technology,’ Mullen writes, ‘and attempting to develop a one-size-fits-all approach to privacy and security would instead result in a one-size-fits-none “solution” that could deprive citizens of existing and future benefits of the technology.’

The article:

• Highlights examples of the existing benefits and uses of RFID to enhance security, personal safety and authentication of products, such as food and medications;
• Examines how best to address concerns over security and privacy involving multiple RFID products and systems;
• Proposes a ‘common sense approach’ to ensure that RFID’s benefits to consumers are maximized while balancing concerns over privacy.

‘RFID is not a new technology. It has benefited businesses and consumers for decades,’ Mullen emphasized. ‘We want to ensure that people inside and outside our industry clearly understand how RFID works, recognize what it can and cannot do, and therefore make educated decisions about it.’

As an international trade association with a diverse membership representing the entire Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry, including bar codes, biometrics, and sensors, AIM Global is uniquely positioned to provide accurate, unbiased information about the technologies through online resources and a panel of industry experts willing to speak with media, legislators and consumer groups on the issues of RFID privacy and security.