Radio Frequency Identification Tags

Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are a means of automatically identifying a person, animal or thing. Data is stored on the "tags", which are small microchips, and relayed to the source that installed the tag. Although the majority of RFID tags in use today are serving as high-tech barcodes for libraries and retailers, they have also been used in people and animals. Radio frequency identification is the topic of much debate these days, as the term "Big Brother" is often associated with the technology. However, the tags come in quite handy for many practical and non-invasive uses, as well.

Radio frequency identification works using a system of tags, tag readers and application software. Tags are the microchips that are placed on or implanted in a target that is to be identified. The data contained on the tag depends on the tag's purpose, which will be programmed into that tag's software. For example, a tag on a CD in a retail store may contain a description and price of the item. However, RFID tags on a human may only contain that person's name. Such tags can also be used to track the target's whereabouts, which has been used successfully on endangered animals. All of this is done by radio wave signals that travel from the tags to the tag reader.

RFID tags are commonly small enough to fit on the inside cover of a book, a VHS tape or a DVD. Libraries commonly use RFID to keep track of all three items. Also, large retail companies such as Target and Wal-Mart have tested the technology. However, there have been RFID tags made that are microscopic and undetectable to the naked eye. A tag this size can be easily implanted under the skin of a person or animal and used as a means to track the target's movement. Although there are plenty of benign reasons for doing such a thing, it has many people concerned for their privacy.

With global defenses on heightened alert in recent years, great strides have been made with surveillance technology. There is no hotter topic these days than radio frequency identification. Some feel it would be a simple way to identify a person, rather than relying on a social security number or driver's license. There have been many supporters for the technology to be used on children in a defense against abduction. Others feel that RFID tags could be invaluable in the war on terror. However, critics feel that using microchips to identify humans is a civil rights problem and a slippery slope to rampant and unjust government supervision.

There are many reasons to use radio frequency identification and like many new technological breakthroughs, it can sometimes be met with fear and speculation. However, many people have already embraced RFID tags. Automotive dealers are using RFID to track vehicles, should they be stolen. Also, there are nightclubs in Europe that use the tags in humans to identify major customers and even allow them to pay for their drinks with the microchips. The tags themselves are quite inexpensive and as such, very desirable to retailers. As the system becomes more sophisticated and commonplace, the debate will only continue to grow about radio frequency identification tags.