5 Apr 2006

Website to provide a balanced source of news and information about emerging RFID privacy concerns

MIT, a world-class educational institution and HID Global, a leading provider of access control products and services, debuted the RFID and Privacy Website at the ISC West show in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The new Website at http://rfidprivacy.mit.edu/access/ will help educate visitors about radio frequency identification technology, its current uses, its potential uses, and where potential privacy concerns emerge.  The Website is part of a broader ongoing partnership between HID and MIT to develop new technology, create new scholarship and anchor a wider global discussion on the role of RFID technology in society.

Dan Greenwood, attorney and MIT lecturer, revealed the contents of the site that includes sections on how the technology works, where RFID applications are in use today, new uses for the technology, and policy initiatives at the state and federal level.  "MIT recognizes the need to examine the intersection of RFID technology and public policy and to open a dialogue with interested stakeholders.  This Website gives us the opportunity to frame the dialogue in a way that leads to the creation of public policy that supports both privacy interests and the efficient use of RFID technology." 

HID Global supports the responsible use of RFID technology so that privacy protections are considered in all applications, according to Denis Hébert, president and CEO.  "We are pleased to be working with MIT on this Website and want the site to serve as a forum for an open and interactive discussion of RFID and privacy issues," he said.  "As a leader in our industry, we are cognizant of our responsibility in taking a proactive approach to this emerging and important discussion."

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