Radio frequency identification and privacy

As RFID implementation is moving forward quickly, it is recommended that immediate action be undertaken by the OPCC to provide RFID-specific guidelines which explain the constraints on the use of the technology for consumer surveillance and profiling, at least in the absence of very clear, and informed consumer consent. [...] However, there have been allegations that a prime motivation for the use of RFID in pharmaceuticals in the U. S. is to help stem the importation of Canadian drugs to the American market. [...] Note, however, the initial approach to the subject of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada to RFID, who states she will study RFID and poll the industry on privacy questions (see below). [...] Evidently, to avoid frustration of the RFID security for fraudulent returns, the tag must essentially be hidden or inaccessible to the point where removing it would leave damage: Retailers would place the tags at their own discretion, but would most likely locate them in discrete parts of the product where the tag is not susceptible to physical damage. [...] While many of the issues have already been raised in the context of credit card and bank debit card use, the use of RFID may involve many more transactions and hence broaden the scope of concern.