Security or Surveillance: The Potential Impact of Radio Frequency Identification Technology on Privacy Rights
March 7, 2007
On Friday March 23, the University of Richmond Journal of Law and Technology (JOLT) will host a forum exploring the legal and political implications of Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID). RFID tags can be incorporated into almost any product and emit an individual radio frequency, allowing users to track the tags' movements. The technology is used in a myriad of products, such as passports, office keycards and product tags. Manufacturers also use the technology to track the movement of products through the distribution and supply chain.
Despite the multitude of innocuous consumer uses, privacy advocates warn that the technology unjustly infringes on consumers' privacy rights. As a response to public concern, many states have considered RFID legislation, and recently, two United States Senators recently formed an RFID caucus to discuss the implications of the technology, both on privacy and the economy.
JOLT has assembled a panel of product and privacy experts to debate the uses and privacy implications of the technology. The panel will include Liz McIntyre, the co-author of the book Spychips; Patrick J Sweeney, President and CEO of ODIN Technologies; Jay Stanley, Public Education Director of the Technology and Liberty Program of the American Civil Liberties Union; and Professor James P. Neff from Indiana University Law School, a frequent commentator on RFID technology. Registration begins at 12:30 pm and the program will begin at 1:00 pm in the Moot Courtroom of the Law School. A reception will follow the program, allowing participants to speak directly with the panel.
Additional information about the program and speakers can be found at the symposium Web site. Registration may be completed online or at the symposium itself. Any questions or comments should be directed to Maciek Kepka who may be reached at maciek.kepka@richmond.edu.