Myths

Myth #1: RFID tags will be used to track people.

While it is theoretically possible for an RFID tag to track people, the tags commonly used for consumer goods can only be read within a range of several feet and do not function well next to large quantities of water (such as a human body). In addition, new varieties of tags will be 'killable' - making them permanently deactivated upon a specified signal. Finally, since logicAlloy's software is open source, consumer advocacy groups are free to look through our source code to ensure it is set up to track products, not people.

Myth #2: RFID tags will be used to store all of my personal information.

This is possible for high-end tags that cost above $50/tag, however the tag that is being used by major retailers can only hold 32 numbers; enough to uniquely identify an object via a serial number. EPC class-1 and EPC class-2 passive RFID tags simply do not have enough 'memory' to store your name, address, credit card information, etc.

Myth #3: RFID will be used for identity theft.

As stated in myths 1 & 2, the read-ranges and storage limits of EPC1 & EPC2 tags just don't lend themselves very well to the storage of personal information or reading from a long range.

Myth #4: RFID isn't any better than traditional laser-based systems.

Wrong! RFID has many advantages over laser-based reading systems including:

• More memory allows tracking of individual products
• Longer read ranges allow easier and faster data acquisition
• Automatic reading reduces human error
• Environmental data such as temperature, humidity, altitude, etc.