Bye-Bye Bar Codes

[dArKeR]

Razor blades and medicines packaged with pinpoint-sized computer chips and tiny antennae that eventually could send retailers and manufacturers a wealth of information about the products — and those who buy them — will start appearing in grocery stores and pharmacies this year.

Within two decades, the minuscule transmitters are expected to replace the familiar product bar codes, and retailers are already envisioning the conveniences the new technology, called “radio frequency identification,” will bring — even as others are raising privacy concerns.

A grocery store clerk will know immediately when the milk on the shelf has expired, for example, and replace it before a customer can choose it. Stores could quickly pull from the shelves tainted and damaged products that are recalled or have expired, especially important in health care items.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/07/08/tech/main562247.shtml

Talk about 'health care'! The world is changed forever. We are being bombarded by radio waves from everywhere.

[LeftCoast]

1. I want an RFID zap chamber in my home

I can walk into it and it will zap all the little spies that some BIG F*CKING CORPORATION says is for my benefit. I want my privacy back.

[undergroundrailroad]

2. I hear you LeftCoast!

Undergroundrailroad :hi:

[LiberalFighter]

4. Just the big corporations?

I think that type of technology would be used by law enforcement and criminals.

Definitely need to have a means of zapping the bugs when the purchase is made. Just like the magnetic strips they are deactivated at the point of purchase.

Talk about deactivation... I would like to see it done with cell phones when they are in theaters and other locations that are considered or should be considered discourteous. Unfortunately, I believe it is illegal in the U.S. But they do it in Japan.

[DrGonzoLives]

3. Lovely

I wonder, if I run out of something, does it automatically get ordered for me? That's a little too Orwellian for me.