Restrictions on RFID systems in California

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Senate Bill 768 (SB 768), which would have put restrictions on RFID systems used by government agencies in the state. In his comments to the state senate, Gov. Schwarzenegger cited some of the same concerns the RFID industry raised about the bill. Namely, that it may stifle beneficial uses of RFID.

“SB 768, which would impose technology regulation on RFID-enabled ID cards and public documents, is premature,” the governor’s statement reads. “In addition, I am concerned that the bill’s provisions are overbroad and may unduly burden the numerous beneficial new applications of contactless technology.”

The bill stipulates that failure to do so is “punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year, a fine of not more than $1,500, or both that fine and imprisonment.”

The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry most commonly uses RFID technology for tracking drugs, patients and equipment, but the technology is also used for identification on health insurance cards.

A health insurance card that uses RFID does not need to be “swiped” like most cards but can be read automatically, without the bearer even noticing. Some can be read only an inch or two from the scanner, but others may be readable over several yards.

“RFID technology is not in and of itself the issue. RFID is a minor miracle with all sorts of good uses,” said Simitian. But, he said, “It’s easier than ever to steal someone’s personal information. With an unauthorized reader - technology that is readily available, off-the-shelf and surprisingly inexpensive - it’s really quite simple to do.”

Related posts:

1. RFID privacy and security challenges and public policy approaches
2. RFID Privacy Problems! Why don’t companies do resonable security?
3. RFID in People Access Security Services (PASS) Cards
4. RFID: Menace in the Far North
5. RFID Passports Cloned
6. Further Reflections on RFID Security

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