Abstract

The topic of Radio Frequency IDentification has recently attracted a great deal of interest, especially away from development and marketing departments: The process, which is described as RFID, means that information stored on almost invisible digital data carriers and computing units can be read using radio technologies, i.e. secretly, visually and contactlessly. The concerns and dangers are based precisely on this point, i.e. not only visually, but generally imperceptible and contactless reading.
In addition to trend and vision scenarios, reference is also made to the social implications: The presentation of the far-reaching advantages of RFID is contrasted with a close look at the possibilities that jeopardise the personality of individual users if used without reflection.
With RFID, automated data processing is gaining a set of instruments that will in future require a modern data protection law to safeguard fundamental personal rights. Everyone's right to control their own data must be guaranteed by the right to informational self-determination. The book is aimed at an interested specialist audience, both civil rights organisations and political decision-makers.

Authors