Why RFID-chipped US passports are a bad idea

By at 12:31 pm Monday, Mar 28

Bill Scannell says:
In a misguided attempt to make US passports more secure, the US Department of State plans to put radio frequency identification (RFID) chips in all new passports.  This RFID chip will contain the same information currently on our passports, including the passport holder's name, date and place of birth, passport number and photograph.

From identity theft to identity death, an RFID-chipped US passport means good news for the bad guys.

I don't expect my country to actively protect me when I am abroad, but I do expect it to not put me actively in harm's way. I don't need a beacon that is an advertisement for my potential victimhood, "Look, over here, an American! Need cash? Credit cards? Want to make a splashy political statement for the news? Act now!"

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