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Hi, all:
Great news! This weekend millions of Americans learned about the dangers
of RFID in driver's licenses and other identity documents, thanks to a
major story by the Associated Press.
Here is a link to the article:
Chips in official IDs raise privacy fears
The article is a lengthy, in-depth investigation of RFID in driver's
licenses and passports by AP reporter Todd Lewan, the same tenacious
investigator who broke the story about implanted microchips causing
cancer a few years back.
Please take the time to read the article in its entirety. It clearly
indicts the poor security on so-called "Enhanced Drivers Licenses" or
EDLs, the border-crossing ID cards that have now been issued to nearly
200,000 Americans.
As I wrote in Scientific American last fall, EDL's contain RFID tags
that can be read from 30-feet away by the government, marketers,
criminals, and anyone else with an off-the-shelf reader -- right through
a person's pocket, backpack, or purse. They can be used to track
individuals, identify them for marketing purposes, or infringe their
right to anonymously assemble and speak out against injustice.
My article can be found here:
How RFID Tags Could Be Used to Track Unsuspecting People
Todd Lewan's article cites many pro-liberty folks, including Mark Lerner
of the Stop REAL-ID Coalition, Lee Tien of the Electronic Frontier
Foundation (EFF), Marc Rotenberg of the Electronic Privacy Information
Center (EPIC), security researcher Chris Paget, and yours truly.
I was thrilled to see the article appear on the Drudge Report, The New
York Times, The Chicago Tribune, the San Jose Mercury News, the Los
Angeles Times, Fox News, Yahoo.com, and over 450 other newspapers and
media outlets.
While EDL's are bad news, the good news is that the word is getting out.
Please help us spread it even further by posting a link to the article
on your website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Digg accounts and
everywhere else.
In freedom,
Katherine Albrecht, Ed.D.
Founder and Director, CASPIAN Consumer PrivacyLabels: News, RFID |
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| 5:34 PM | Posted by Dave |
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| Wednesday, August 13, 2008 |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2008
Protest Today Against RFID in Clothing and Shoes
RFID WHERE? You'd better look at your shoes, socks and underwear!
Protesters will gather today in Manhattan to greet attendees of the third annual "RFID in Fashion" conference, an event organized to promote the use of RFID in clothing and footwear. Dr. Katherine Albrecht, the Harvard-educated privacy campaigner featured in the film "Freedom to Fascism" and co-author of the bestselling book "Spychips," will be on-hand to speak to attendees arriving for the opening keynote this afternoon at NYC's Fashion Institute of Technology.
The conference features two days of speeches and events to advance apparel-industry uses for controversial Radio Frequency Identification or RFID technology. Past attendees include New Balance Athletic Shoes, Reebok, Levi Strauss, American Apparel, Liz Claiborne, and Jockey, along with retail outlets The Limited, Timberland, and Dillard's.
Albrecht planned today's protest after discovering the conference would promote the use of RFID in individual clothing items. Known as "item-level tagging," the practice of placing RFID tags on consumer items (rather than on crates or pallets in a warehouse) has been widely condemned by privacy and security experts.
Experts caution that such tags pose huge privacy and safety risks to the public. Used to track inventory in warehouses, RFID tags can easily be used to track people as well - a fact that can be exploited by marketers, government agencies, and criminals. IBM, for example, has patented RFID "person tracking units" for placement in walls and floors to allow marketers and government agents to secretly monitor people's movements. They suggest using the devices in public spaces like shopping malls, theaters, elevators, and restrooms once RFID is implemented at the item level.
"Consumers shouldn't have to worry about tracking devices being sewn into the seams of their clothing or pressed into the soles of their shoes," said Albrecht. "We are putting apparel and RFID companies on notice that consumers will protest any item-level use of RFID on apparel."
In 2003, Albrecht's consumer group CASPIAN led a successful boycott against Italian clothing manufacturer Benetton. The resulting worldwide opposition forced the company to cancel plans to sew millions of RFID tags into women's garments.
"Consumer awareness and opposition to RFID has grown exponentially since 2003", Albrecht said. "Any U.S. company foolish enough to use RFID on apparel will face stiff repercussions."
The RFID in Fashion 2008 conference website can be found at:
http://www.rfidjournalevents.com/fashion/
ABOUT CASPIAN
CASPIAN (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering)is a grass-roots consumer group fighting retail surveillance schemes since 1999 and irresponsible RFID use since 2002. With thousands of members in all 50 U.S. states and over 30 countries worldwide, CASPIAN seeks to educate consumers about marketing strategies that invade their privacy and encourage privacy-conscious shopping habits across the retail spectrum.
OUR WEBSITES:
Human Chipping
RFID Tagging
Shopper Cards
Boycott Gillette
Boycott Tesco
Boycott Benetton (2003)
ABOUT KATHERINE ALBRECHT
Dr. Katherine Albrecht is widely recognized as one of the world's leading experts on consumer privacy, retail issues, and RFID, or "Radio Identification Technology." She holds a Doctorate in Education from Harvard University, was appointed by NH Governor John Lynch to serve on that state's two-year RFID study commission, and is the director of CASPIAN, a 20,000 member consumer privacy organization she founded in
1999.
Since 2003, Katherine has led the fight against unethical RFID use in products and in people. She regularly testifies before lawmakers around the globe and has given over two thousand television, radio and print interviews to news outlets like CNN, NPR, Good Morning America, Business Week and the London Times, to name just a few. Executive Technology Magazine calls Katherine "perhaps the country's single most vocal privacy advocate" and Wired magazine calls her the "Erin Brockovich" of
RFID."
ABOUT CASPIAN
CASPIAN (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering) is a grass-roots consumer group fighting retail surveillance schemes since 1999 and irresponsible RFID use since 2002. With thousands of members in all 50 U.S. states and over 30 countries worldwide, CASPIAN seeks to educate consumers about marketing strategies that invade their privacy and encourage privacy-conscious shopping habits across the retail spectrum.
http://www.spychips.com/
http://www.antichips.com/
http://www.nocards.org/
You're welcome to duplicate and distribute this message to others who may find it of interest.Labels: News, RFID, Technology |
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| 10:59 AM | Posted by Dave |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2008
CASPIAN RELEASES NEW EVIDENCE OF VERICHIP LIES AND DECEPTION
Group's Latest Report Sets Record Straight on Chip Implants, Cancer, and
more..
Opponents of the VeriChip implant are launching a new offensive against the controversial human microchip this week, amid reports that VeriChip plans to put its chipping division on the auction block. A new report titled "Microchip Implants: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions" released today by CASPIAN Consumer Privacy reveals dirty laundry the company would probably rather keep hidden as it seeks a buyer for its beleaguered product.
The 42-page report was authored by CASPIAN director Dr. Katherine Albrecht, a Harvard-educated privacy expert and long-time critic of the VeriChip. The highlight of the report is an eleven-page section titled "Cancer Cover-up" that describes a systematic pattern of lies and deception engaged by VeriChip executives in an effort to downplay the fact that implantable microchips cause cancer in laboratory animals.
The report reveals how news outlets like Time Magazine, Business Week, and the RFID Journal were used as unwitting pawns in a VeriChip scheme to spread misinformation about the cancer studies. Since research linking the product to cancer first surfaced last year, each of these publications has repeated misstatements from VeriChip company executives, in many cases printing the inaccurate statements verbatim and unchallenged.
"These were not subjective issues, they were plainly verifiable issues of fact," Albrecht said. "We were saddened to see the misstatements fall through the fact-checking cracks of these respected publications. Now that VeriChip is back in the headlines, we felt it was time to set the record straight."
VeriChip's media efforts have done little to salvage the company's public image or its financial performance, both of which plummeted after research linking the implantable microchip to cancer was widely revealed by the Associated Press in September 2007. The same company that once predicted revenues in the "billions" earned just $3,000 from its microchip implant operations in the first quarter of 2008, as patients shun the device that many are now calling the "cancer chip."
Investors have also distanced themselves from the failing company, with VeriChip's stock plummeting from a high of $10.62 last year to just over $2.00 today.
VeriChip's VP of business development, Jay McKeage, acknowledged the implant division suffers from "a substantial cash burn" and is "not sustainable on its own." As a result, he says, VeriChip plans to "shop the VeriMed / Health Link [human implantable chip] business around widely" in hopes that another company will take the unpopular product off its hands.
However, with recent blog headlines like "VeriChip Death Watch" making the rounds, Albrecht has a hard time imagining who, if anyone, will want to buy the business.
"This is a company that has engaged in a consistent pattern of making false and misleading statements," she said. "It has lied to the public, to the media, to its shareholders, and to regulatory agencies," she said, citing additional evidence from the report indicating that VeriChip hid cancer evidence from the FDA when the agency reviewed the implant's safety in 2004.
"We laid out all the evidence in our report," she added. "We want to make sure no one else gets burned by VeriChip."
ABOUT THE REPORT
CASPIAN's new report, "Microchip Implants: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions," is a comprehensive reference guide to implantable microchips in animals and humans. It provides thoroughly-researched, footnoted answers to 85 of the most commonly asked questions about the implantable microchip, including religious, privacy, social, and health questions. The report concludes with a list of recommendations for patients, pet owners, and policy makers affected by the device.
The new report is available for free download on the group's AntiChips.com website.
While on the website, readers are encouraged to download Dr. Albrecht's comprehensive 52-page overview of the studies, "Microchip-Induced Tumors in Laboratory Rodents and Dogs: A Review of the Literature 1990-2006," and to review scanned copies of the original documents.Labels: News, RFID, Technology |
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| 12:47 PM | Posted by Dave |
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Katherine Albrecht Speaking In Detroit, MI Area
Forwarding from The RFID Mailing List:
Hi, all:
I am headed to Detroit this week to speak on RFID, freedom, and Big
Brother issues. I will be speaking at several events that are free and
open to the public, courtesy of my friends at Peacemakers International
Ministries. If you are in the area, I'd love to meet you!
As you may know, Michigan is one of several states that has agreed to
issue Homeland Security's new, voluntary "enhanced driver's license" to
facilitate border crossings. That means that many Michigan drivers may
soon be lured by "convenience" into carrying our worst nightmare --
uniquely numbered, remotely-readable RFID spychips. Most participating
drivers will have no idea that their new ID cards can be used to track
them right through a wallet, pocket, or purse, without their knowledge,
from more than 20 feet away.
I've posted my schedule below. If you are in Michigan, this will be a
great opportunity to get informed and meet fellow freedom-lovers. All
events are free, and you are welcome to bring as many people as you
would like. (A quick RSVP would be appreciated, but is not required.)
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 7:00 PM
RFID PRESENTATION, Q&A SESSION, AND BOOK/DVD SIGNING
LOCATION: Peacemakers International Fellowship Church
ADDRESS/MAP: MAP
Katherine will deliver a 1-hour, image-rich, up-to-the-minute
presentation on RFID: What it is, how it works, plans for abuse, and why
this issue matters to Michigan. The talk will be followed by a question
and answer session and a book signing. Get your questions answered and
get a signed copy of Spychips or one of Katherine's DVDs while you're
there.
This is a secular (non-religious) event.
(For a similar presentation, minus the updates, see YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0Maj1I6kH0 Part 1 of 6)
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 12:00 NOON
POLITICAL ACTION LUNCHEON MEETING
For those interested in working with the Michigan state legislature on
RFID privacy issues.
Location and details available by writing to: tobrien(at)smallgov.us
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 12:30-6:00 PM (I will speak around 4:00-ish)
PEACEMAKERS OUTDOOR OUTREACH
LOCATION: Peacemakers International Fellowship Church.
ADDRESS/MAP: MAP
You and your friends are warmly invited to the Peacemakers monthly
outdoor outreach event for a day of fun and Christian fellowship on the
church grounds. The event reaches out to Peacemakers' inner-city
community with free food and drinks, bands, cooking, skits, music,
basketball, etc. -- and you're invited, too! At 4:00 PM Katherine will
speak on the encroaching police state and the appropriate Christian
response.
Details
SUNDAY, MAY 11, 11:00 AM
PEACEMAKERS CHURCH SERVICE; KATHERINE WILL ADDRESS CONGREGATION
On Sunday morning, Peacemakers' Pastor Steve Upshur has graciously
allotted me an hour to speak on prophesy, advancing technology, and the
church. The worship service begins at 11:00, and I will speak shortly
thereafter. We'd love to have you join us!
Note: Although many of the events have a Christian theme, people from
all faith traditions are warmly invited to attend.
Peacemakers works with inner city drug addicts and gang members, and
helps them turn blighted urban lots into vibrant, green gardening
projects.
Lean more here
See a photo here
More Peacemakers details
This will be a great opportunity to connect with others who are
concerned about RFID and privacy issues. Come get informed and help us
strategize!
In freedom,
Katherine Albrecht, Ed.D.
Dr. Katherine Albrecht
Founder and Director, CASPIAN Consumer Privacy
Host of "Uncovering the Truth"
We the People Radio Network, M-F 10AM-12PM EST
Listen Live
Archives
Co-author of "SPYCHIPS: How Major Corporations and Government
Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID"
WEBSITES:
Human Chipping: AntiChips.com
RFID: SpyChips.com
Shopper Cards: NoCards.org
Bio onlineLabels: News, RFID, Technology |
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| 11:17 AM | Posted by Dave |
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| Wednesday, March 12, 2008 |
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| Katherine Albrecht Speaks on RFID ID Cards Tomorrow (Thurs, 3/13) |
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ACLU-AZ to Host Town Hall on REAL ID, RFID Tags and other Threats to Privacy on March 13 in Phoenix
Monday, March 10, 2008
CONTACT: Alessandra Soler Meetze, Executive Director, ACLU-AZ at 602-418-5499 (cell) or 602-650-1854 (office)
PHOENIX - The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona will host a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 13 featuring national privacy experts who will discuss the interplay between cutting-edge technology and individual privacy rights.
Entitled: "From REAL ID to RFID: An ACLU Town Hall on Threats to Privacy," the free town hall meeting will specifically focus on the civil liberties implications of tagging Arizona driver's licenses with radio frequency identification (RFID) chips and creating the nation's first-ever de facto national identity card system through REAL ID.
The featured speakers are: Katherine Albrecht, RFID and Consumer Privacy Expert, Jim Harper, Director of Information Policy Studies, Cato Institute, and Noam Biale, Advocacy Coordinator, National ACLU Technology and Liberty Program.
The event will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 13 at the UA College of Medicine-Phoenix Biomedical Campus, Virginia G. Piper Auditorium, 600 E. Van Buren Street, in downtown Phoenix. Free parking is available off 7th Street, between Van Buren and Fillmore. The event is free and open to the public.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act essentially transforms driver's licenses into federal identity papers. The Act creates a 50-state database of critical personal information - such as Social Security numbers, photos and copies of birth certificates - that could expose Arizonans to identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. In fact, Arizona has topped the Federal Trade Commission's list of states with the most identity-theft complaints for several years in a row now. The Arizona Department of Transportation has estimated that the full implementation of the REAL ID Act will cost Arizona more than $60 million.
In December, the ACLU criticized Governor Janet Napolitano for entering into an agreement with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement the enhanced driver's licenses with the RFID tags. The ACLU argues the privacy risks posed by new RFID driver's licenses are significant, especially considering the controversial chips can be read from up to 30 feet away and the information stored on them can be accessed by touching the chip with an inexpensive handheld electronic reader. Even if the personal data, including name, home address, date of birth and social security number, is linked to a key or unique identifying number, it can still be accessed by people who can do serious harm.
WHAT: From REAL ID to RFID: An ACLU Town Hall on Threats to Privacy
WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2008
WHERE: UA College of Medicine-Phoenix Biomedical Campus, Virginia G. Piper Auditorium, 600 E. Van Buren Street, in downtown Phoenix. Free parking available between Van Buren and Fillmore Street. Free event open to the public.
WHO: Katherine Albrecht, RFID and Consumer Privacy Expert, Jim Harper, Director of Information Policy Studies, Cato Institute, and Noam Biale, Advocacy Coordinator, National ACLU Technology and Liberty Program.
Source: ACLU-AZ
Labels: News, RFID |
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| 10:05 PM | Posted by Dave |
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I found this little tidbit.. check it out...
Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of this article to view the entire thing as I've only included a snippet here.
ZigBeef Offers Ranchers a Long-Distance Cattle Head Count
One of the things the government and proponents of NAIS keep reassuring us is that the RFID chips can only be read close up so our privacy is safe. But here's an interesting article that makes a lie of that:
The long-range RFID system promises to provide ranchers, their commercial interests and rodeos an easier method for tracking their animals, through ZigBee technology.
By Claire Swedberg
Feb. 21, 2008 - A new active RFID system is set to help ranchers and rodeos track animals from a distance, as well as measure an animal's movement during a rodeo competition, for instance, when it is difficult to track exactly when a bull came out of its gate, or when it was roped and immobilized. The solution, provided by a startup company called ZigBeef, is being developed to allow cattle ranchers and their financial backers to track each head of cattle on a daily basis. The system became commercially available two weeks ago.
Full story, Source: NoNAIS Labels: News, RFID, Technology |
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| 1:47 AM | Posted by Dave |
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