Radio Frequency Identification (
RFID
) tags
consist of a microchip and a tiny antenna that transmits data from
the chip to a reader. The reader is activated whenever the antenna
comes into range. The tags and readers can be used to track
individual items, cases and pallets as they move from a
manufacturer through the supply chain to the end user.
An
EPC
tag is basically an
RFID
tag
that follows the
EPC
standard so that its details can
be communicated to any
EPC
reader. Each
EPC
is divided into numbers that identify the
manufacturer, product type and serial number.
The
EPC
standard has the backing of major
companies like Wal-Mart, Procter & Gamble, Unilever and Tesco.
Many expect it to be the successor to the ubiquitous barcode.
While there are obvious advantages in using the technology,
there are concerns that the tags could also allow businesses and
governments to use the devices for surveillance. For while the tags
do not contain personally identifiable information, the tag and its
location could be linked to information held about an individual in
other systems.
The
ICC
has therefore published guidelines for
what it calls the responsible deployment and operation of
EPC
tags. These state:
- Use of
EPC
systems and related technology should
be legal, decent, honest and truthful.
- Notice is essential.
- Consumer choice is essential, where possible and
appropriate.
- Education is key.
- Products containing the tags should be labelled and if the tag
is contained in the body of the product, details of its location
provided.
- Accurate information as to the collection, use and reason for
the collection of personal identifiable data should be given and
all data protection laws complied with.
-
EPC
users should make public their policies on the
use of the data.
- Personally identifiable data should be protected by security
safeguards.
- Consumers should be given the right to access information held
by them and to correct it if necessary.
