When
it comes to RFID and potential consumer
privacy concerns, entrepreneurs are already
jumping into the fray.
Shortly after we reported last week on
the supposed concessions made by American
Express to CASPIAN, a group focused on consumer
privacy and against many potential uses
of RFID (see RFID
News: Consumer Privacy Group and American
Express Tussle over Technology to Track
in-Store Shoppers ) , the enterprising
group at Smart Tools contacted us about
their RFID
Shield product, which consumers can
buy to put around their American Express
or potentially other credit cards, blocking
the ability for readers to get to the embedded
chips.
It’s interesting. For just $4.00
each, or four for $10.00, you get what is
basically a fairly transparent sleeve or
jacket into which you insert your credit,
as shown below.
RFID Shield Blocks
Tags in Credit Cards from Being Energized
by Readers
We’re not sure exactly what the sleeve
is made of, but it is some material that
prevents the energy from RIFD readers to
get to and thus “turn on” passive
tags. To actually use the credit card to
buy something, or to let it be read, simply
take the card put of the sleeve.
The company notes
related products could also be used to block
reading of chips embedded in passports,
documents, or other items. |