http://news.com.com/2009-1088-984352.html?tag=fd_rndm#38
China raises the red tag RFID tags aren't just for tracking consumer goods any more. The Chinese Communist Party is experimenting with tagging and tracking people. Delegates to the recent Communist Party Congress were required to wear an RFID badge equipped with the tiny tag, which permitted their movements around the conference to be constantly tracked and recorded. RFID stands for radio frequency identification, and each tag has a unique number associated with it. Some large retailers are experimenting with the system to track inventory and cut down on shoplifting. In a new application of the technology, Texas Instruments provided its client with about 20,000 of the tags. "As attendees moved throughout the various areas of the conference, their badges were electronically read by one of 20 TI S6550 Long Range Readers with customized gate antennas, strategically placed throughout the conference area," a company newsletter says. In addition to real-time monitoring of the delegates, the setup let security guards perform identity checks by comparing a database photo with the badge holder's face. "We expect our access-control business to accelerate over the next couple of years as corporations and governmental agencies raise the level of security for their people and their assets," said TI spokesman Bill Allen. For some reason, China's leaders seem to be shying away from additional publicity. "We'd love to do a full-blown press release, case study, etc., but the (Chinese) Communist Party will not allow it at this time," Allen said. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
