"Coalition objects to RFID chips for driver’s licenses "

[dbeach]

I would like to pass on the chips ...sil vous plait

http://www.gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/38073-1.html

"Coalition objects to RFID chips for driver’s licenses

By Alice Lipowicz
Contributing Staff Writer

A coalition of conservative groups and privacy advocates is urging the Homeland Security Department not to include the use of radio frequency identification contactless chips in its regulations for implementing the Real ID Act for state driver’s licenses.

In a letter to Secretary Michael Chertoff, the groups assert that RFID costs a lot, lacks standardized technology and poses potential dangers to privacy from unauthorized reading of the chips. The RFID chips contain tiny processors that transmit information by radio wave to a reader.

“An exact tally of the potential costs of RFID technology is hard to come by, but there is no question it would be expensive,” wrote the coalition, which includes Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) and the American Civil Liberties Union. “Aside from the cost issue, we are concerned about the lack of adequate protections against the theft of personal information arising from remote-sensing devices.”

While the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the cost of implementing the Real ID Act at $100 million, CAGW judged that an RFID chip mandate as part of the act would cost up to $17 billion. State officials have developed their own estimates as well. For example, Washington State officials said in October 2005 they expect to spend $150 million over three years to comply with the act."

[phoebe]

1. USA following UK's lead - soon we'll have cameras on every corner too

n/t

[dbeach]

2. another cash cow on the way to 1984

paying for the destruction of Freedoms

[trogdor]

3. Can you magentize 'em?

...on one of those pads they tell you not to lay your credit card on?

[sarcasmo]

4. Another way would be to take a key and scratch the card like crazy.

If these things are like your credit card readers it will work.