Re: Is theft becoming impossible?

From: Randy S (cryofan@mylinuxisp.com)
Date: Thu Sep 04 2003 - 08:12:50 MDT

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    BillK <bill@wkidston.freeserve.co.uk> said:

    > 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!

    But aren't something like 3/4 of all people in American jails in there for
    drug offenses? 

    -- 
--------------
-Randy

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