Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a generic term that is used to describe a system that transmits the identity (in the form of a unique serial number) of an object or person wirelessly, using radio waves. RFID is one of many Auto-ID technologies, a group that includes bar codes, optical character readers and some biometric technologies, such as retinal scans. The auto-ID technologies have been used to reduce the amount of time and labor needed to input data manually and to improve data accuracy. The RFID chip can store as much as 2 kilobytes of data. For example, information about a product or shipment—date of manufacture, destination and sell-by date—can be written to a tag. RFID is designed to enable readers to capture data on tags and transmit it to a computer system—without needing a person to be involved. To retrieve the data stored on an RFID tag, you need a reader. A typical reader is a device that has one or more antennas that emit radio waves and receive signals back from the tag. The reader then passes the information in digital form to a computer system.  — RFID Journal

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID):
Addressing Concerns Over Information Collection and Usage

Public agencies in Washington are increasingly using RFID technology. Many privacy advocates, technology experts and others are concerned that in the absence of legislation, the increasing use of RFID will erode civil liberties and lead to misuses of collected data. Is there a way to safeguard privacy while reaping the benefits of RFID technology in different contexts?

Please join us for a roundtable discussion of the roles of regulation and technical design in mitigating privacy and socio-cultural concerns over the use of RFID technology. Building on national work in this area and discussions over Washington HB1031 in this year's state legislative session, this event will investigate the need for policy initiatives in Washington State concerning RFID.

Thursday, July 19, 2007, 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
University of Washington School of Law
William H. Gates Hall, Room 133
Reception follows on the Terrace (or in Room 115 if inclement), 5:30 pm. - 7:00 pm.

If any questions, please contact lct@u.washington.edu.