CASPIAN (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering) has called for a moratorium on the use of these chips.
Albrecht paints a picture of the implications: “Imagine walking into a store and having a computer take an inventory of everything you’re wearing–right down to the size and color of your underwear. Store employees could even read the contents of your wallet to determine whether you’re a desirable customer or someone they want to ignore based on your financial value. The possibilities for discrimination are quite disturbing.”
Today comes this article;
WASHINGTON (AP) — Razor blades and medicines packaged with pinpoint-sized computer chips and tiny antennae that eventually could send retailers and manufacturers a wealth of information about the products — and those who buy them — will start appearing in grocery stores and pharmacies this year.
Within two decades, the minuscule transmitters are expected to replace the familiar product bar codes, and retailers are already envisioning the conveniences the new technology, called “radio frequency identification,” will bring — even as others are raising privacy concerns.
More information can be found here.
Not surprisingly, WalMart is supporting implementation of the technology.