Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is an object that can be attached to an object for the purpose of identification using radio waves. All RFID tags contain at least two parts:
1. An integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a radio frequency (RF) signal and perhaps other specialized functions.
2. An antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal.
In 2005, more than 1.3 billion RFID tags were produced. By 2010, 33 billion tags will be manufactured according to a report by In-Stat. From a supply chain perspective, most of this is driven by Wal-Mart, who has mandated that its top 100 (and, later its top 300) suppliers begin to use RFID." This will eventually replace the barcode reader as a means of identifying merchandise.
However, this has raised the ire of many privacy advocates. Plans to put RFID in US Passports have met with resistance , as a person could unwillingly broadcast all their personal information (age, sex, date of birth, etc.), and could lead to a rash of identity theft. So until the wireless security is fool-proof, maybe it is a good idea to stick to tagging clothes on a rack before getting around to the person who wears them. Then and only then can it be used for things such as keeping away any "undesirables" (such as the ones seen below) from a particular establishment.
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