From: BillK (bill@wkidston.freeserve.co.uk)
Date: Thu Sep 04 2003 - 06:41:37 MDT
I laughed at the story about the thief who stole a GPS tracking device:
http://www.adn.com/24hour/weird/story/985993p-6924904c.html
but then I started thinking about it.
Expensive cars are now protected by GPS locator systems. These and
similar devices have a transmitter that will call for help if they are
stolen and they are becoming cheaper and more widespread.
Computers can have security systems that 'phone home' as soon as they
connect to the internet, so stolen computers can turn themselves in.
CNET had an article about RFID tags that can be fitted to everything.
CNET was worried about the 'Big Brother' tracking implications because
every time you walked past a scanner your clothes, possessions, etc.
would report your presence to the authorities.
http://news.com.com/2010-1069-980325.html
The Register says that manufacturers want to change all barcodes into
RFID tags:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/31461.html
And the European Central Bank is even considering putting RFID tags into
paper money!
But if everything can be 'tagged' then surely this means that theft
becomes impossible? It would need a central database to record changes
of ownership of course, with the previous owner required to authorize
the transfer. But if the authorities want to do suspect tracking then they will
need to build the central database anyway.
Police would just need to visit your home and the scanner computer would
list everything on the premises that was not registered to you. In
future they might be able to do this without even physically entering
the premises.
So we can look forward to a near future without casual theft, burglary,
mugging, car theft, etc.
That should help to empty the prisons as well.
Oh joyous day!
BillK
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