Privacy-Enhancing Radio Frequency Identification Tag: Implementation of the Clipped Tag
Introduction – Enhanced Privacy for Item-level RFID
As the implementation of radio frequency identification, RFID, tagging of pallets and cases for the retail supply chain proceeds, attention is being given to the possibility of RFID tagging for individual retail items. The sale of tagged retail goods gives rise to measures to enhance consumer privacy. Ultra-high frequency tags may be read by wireless means of distances up to around 30 feet (10 meters). High frequency tags also may be read wirelessly, but generally at a shorter range.
Mechanisms have been proposed to address enhanced consumer privacy upon the introduction of item-level tagging. One of them is the use of “Blocker Tags” proposed by RSA Laboratories, a security and privacy organization. These tags interfere with the reading of other RFID tags. They must be carried by the consumer. Another mechanism is the EPCglobal Gen2 protocol “Kill” command which deactivates tags permanently. The Kill command is executed by the retailer at the point-of-sale. Killed tags cannot be revived.
The privacy-protecting tag, called the “Clipped Tag” has been suggested by IBM as an additional consumer privacy mechanism. The clipped tag puts the option of privacy protection in the hands of the consumer. It provides a visible means of enhancing privacy protection by allowing the transformation of a long-range tag into a proximity tag that still may be read, but only at short range – less than a few inches or centimeters. This enables later use of the tag for returns or recalls.
The clipped tag proposal suggests ways in which a portion of the antenna may be removed by a consumer after the point-of-sale. Figure 1 shows a schematic of the tag. A notch or slit has been placed on the edge of the plastic film, providing a means for tear initiation, similar to the slits placed in ketchup packets or snack-food bags. The tear may be directed by the use of additional perforations. The result of the tear is to remove a portion of the antenna.
Hmm.
I'm on the 'yes, I'd like privacy once I've bought the darn thing' side... but I can see uses of active RFIDs at home.
Picture a spice rack where you can say 'Whole Cinnamon' and the lazy susan spins to the correct niche. Or one types 'Deep sea fishing rod' into the home computer and it says 'Upper level of garage, right side, 8.4 feet from the front.
The 'computerized receipts' have been irritating since they came out - the _store_ has an item-by-item complete inventory of everything I've _ever_ bought there. The information is even on the scrap of paper I get - yet there's no (useful) way to coallate/request that information. If I'm going to be stuck with these 'preferred shopper' cards - put some way to get your own history back out.
One thought would be for the user to be able to add a 'passcode' after purchase. A minimal amount of flash memory would mean that the chip wouldn't respond without that user's 'emitter' also being nearby and active.
Posted by: Al at July 14, 2006 2:50 PM