Consumer Is the King with IBM's Clipped Tag

Filed in archive Tags and Readers on May 4, 2006

Taking note of the privacy concerns regarding RFID, IBM has come up with clipped tag technology which enables the consumers to tear or scratch off RFID antennae which diminishes the threat of an unauthorized reading of the tag. These tags have perforations like a sheet of postage stamps and when required the tag can be torn along the perforations in order to rip off the antenna portion which makes the tag readable from very close range.

These tags have been designed for use at a department store in order to protect the privacy regarding the items brought. These tags have a disabling feature but it cannot kill a wireless chip's ability to broadcast item information. The consumer has the option to disable the RFID tags on the items purchased but these tags can be used later for returning the product or recalls.

I believe that these tags would certainly find favor with the retailers as privacy has always been on the top priority of consumers. Certainly consumers won't have to fear next time about being spied when they go shopping.