Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are all uses of RFID tags evil?
A. It's a matter of the appropriate uses of technology and the kind of world we want to live in. What's acceptable for shipping crate of widgets is not acceptable for a travel document. RFID tagging an item that can be tied to an individual is wrong. Putting an RFID chip in a passport is dangerous.
Q. Why is the State Department doing this?
A. While some respected security experts see evil intentions on the part of the State Department, it is far more likely that they have been seduced by the technology. When you put a bunch of smart people in a basement and feed them nothing but granulated sugar and Wonder™ Bread, they're probably going to come up with a few crackpot ideas. This is one of them.
Q. If the RFID passports have some shielding built into the covers, wouldn't that make them safe?
A. No. They still need to be opened in order for them to be read, meaning they can still be intercepted by evildoers. In addition, anyone who has a well-worn passport knows that the cover doesn't remain flat: it remains half-open, the corners curl, etc.. Besides, does it make any sense to plant a transmitter into a passport and then make it difficult to broadcast?
Q. Passports need to be made more secure: what's your solution?
A. Paper and ink. A two-dimensional barcode can contain the same information the State Department wants, but won't broadcast it to the world. It's cheaper, safer, and a more appropriate use of technology.