The answer to the question “Does the Media Sensationalize RFID?” is an obvious “YES”. But RFID is not alone. The media sensationalizes everything.

The source of the problem is the persistent and continued hyping of RFID’s capabilities and proposed applications by proponents, and technical experts who should and do know better. The recent proposal of Verichip to implant RFID into migrant workers is only the latest overreaching attempt at selling RFID on a massive scale where a simple identity card would suffice. Thanks to Verichip, we now have the illusion that RFID implanted humans can be tracked 24/7 effortlessly.

Expecting media journalist to understand that such capabilities are both impractical and undoable is simply asking too much.

Hi Chris, I think the problem of media treatment of RFID goes deeper. There are plenty of technologies out there that people don't understand, but RFID seems to get the prize for being the relentless target of media sensationalism. And it's not just the media -- bloggers and discussion board commenters do it, too.

You don't read the kind of sensationalized stories about GPS, for instance.

Bizarre, I call it.

Best,
Anita

Hi Stephan, Hmmm. I actually don't promote "there are no problems with RFID."

I just see the nature of the problems and where they lie, differently.

For instance, I see major problems with databases of personal and confidential information, in the hands of who knows who. But I don't see this as an RFID-specific issue. And I see absolutely no reason to single out RFID over a problem that is much much wider.

Another point: I have numerous times called for industry to get out in front of the consumer privacy issues. To proactively place limits on the way RFID information is used; to understand what the consumers' concerns are; to educate consumers about the nature and extent of RFID technology so that accurate information is available; and to treat such issues seriously and not respond with arrogant comments such as dissimisively saying consumer concerns are "poppycock." Whatever the perception is, it must be dealt with to the satisfaction of those holding the perception (consumers) or it will come back to haunt businesses and impede progress with this technology. If consumers rise up against something (whether their perception is right or wrong) and the business cannot successfully deal with it, then the project is doomed to failure. That's just good business sense.

So, bottom line, I don't consider mine a "no problems" attitude -- not at all.

I see lots of problems, but not necessarily due to the RFID technology itself. It's just that the problem landscape is a more complex one, with lots of shades of gray, rather than an all black and white one.

Thanks for your comment -- I appreciate it!

Anita

well, you said "because the media is trying to sell papers or magazines, and over-simplified, sensational issues sell more papers than thoughtful discourses about technical topics" but i really do think that behind media there are big polticians that just want to manipulate the people... this is what i really think: that media is just a way for powerful guys to manipulate and use us as pawns.
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