Don't Rush to Regulate RFID

Filed in archive Privacy and Security on September 2, 2004

Declan McCullagh's article on CNet argues that lawmakers should not rush to enact new laws and regulations restricting RFID. He says retailers and other companies are already proposing solutions, and that more harm than good will come from lawmakers who attempt one-size fits all solutions.

I wholeheartedly agree that lawmakers should not overreact.

The part I'm not sure about is how far retailers and companies have come in proposing their solutions. It would certainly help businesses' cause to be more vocal and forthcoming about their efforts to protect consumer rights. I've said before that this is an issue that the business community needs to get out in front of.

For instance, the article refers to the public-policy guidelines adopted by EPCglobal. The guidelines are certainly a step in the right direction. But, will all companies consider themselves bound by EPCglobal's guidelines? As far as I am aware, the guidelines are completely voluntary (if anyone knows otherwise, please leave a comment and explain).

In any event, declan's article is a pretty decent round-up of proposed legislation and regulations in the U.S. and parts of Europe. It is worth checking out.