Automatic Identification Technologies (AIT) such as RFID and biometrics are not without controversies when it comes to human tracking and monitoring. AIT is a great enabler and labor-saver in the areas of logistics and supply chains. Automatic Identification Technologies automatically identify containers, parcels, and products to provide real-time visibility of movable assets. The challenge comes when AIT is used to track and monitor humans.
Human Tracking and Monitoring. Most controversies with automatic identification technology are related to where AIT is used to identify and track humans versus just tracking assets. Major AIT controversies include RFID tags and privacy, National identity cards, and the Biblical implications of AIT being the “mark of the beast”. See below for a description of the controversies with automatic identification technologies.
The Controversies With Human Automatic Identification Technologies
National ID Cards. At least for the U.S., the idea of a National ID card has stirred a lot of controversy. The issue is that these cards could be used to control or at least restrict our freedom of movement. With the events of 9-11, National IDs are being implemented at the state level for driver’s licenses. Many future driver license solutions involve AIT such as bar codes, and RFID. See posting, National ID Standards Becoming Law, for more on National ID standards with driver’s licenses, passports, and what is happening Internationally.
RFID and Privacy. RFID tags have caused a lot of controversy when they are used to track or monitor the behavior of human beings. RFID tags do have the capability to infringe on people’s privacy. RFID tag capabilities that are disconcerting include: they have an unique ID that can be tied to an individual, they are able to determine the location and activities of an individual, and they can track people without their knowledge. See posting, RFID Tag Privacy Concerns, for more information.
The Mark of the Beast. In Revelation 13:17 it does say, “And no many might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast …” For people that believe the Bible, it can be interpreted that bar codes stamped on humans, human-embedded RFID tags, or human-embedded smart chips can be the “mark of the beast”. Recently a group of Amish farmers in Michigan filed a lawsuit claiming RFID chips required on cattle “are a mark of the beast”. See Wired posting, Bush Administration: Dismiss RFID ‘Mark of the Beast’ Lawsuit. Also, see Altered Dimensions posting, The Mark of the Beast, on more on this human automatic identification controversy.