EC brain storms over RFID privacy issues

RFID related privacy concerns seems to be the important thing on the agenda of EU commissioner Viviane Reding. While the European Commission (EC) is determined to ensure that the use of radio frequency identification devices (RFID) boosts the competitiveness of the Europe's economy and improves the quality of life of its citizens, it is aware of the need to safeguard their basic rights, and in particular their privacy.

And what better way to get a whole lot of ideas than to get users from the world ver into a sort of a web based Brain Storming session. Reding has invited user on to the "Your Voice in Europe" web site (http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice) and urged them to contribute what they feel must be the important considerations while implementing RFID for a better tomorrow.

It was at a trade fair in March 2006 that the EU began looking at the need to harness the technology in a manner ensuring right oppurtunities for its growth were provided. That the RFID is gaining popularity in practically every field is an undenyable fact. With a view to come to a conclusion on the "way ahead" a few workshops have need conducted during which issues pertaining to interoperability, international compatibility, radio spectrum allocation, and the future of RFID technologywere discussed.

The idea of the excercise is ensure the entire EC stays on the same grid while discussing and arriving at solutions for their common advantage. It is intended this way to avoid a fragmented approach to RFID in Europe.

Another fair is scheduled in October. It is expected that by then the EU would have consolidated all feedback received from the Online workshops and seminars. The findings will be presented to an audience of experts and decision makers, who will assist the EU arrive at an assessment which will then be presented to the European Parliament and Council. Considering the fact that RFID is here to stay this move seems to be logical one in the correct direction and surely the findings will set standards for the RFID of the future.