EU RFID Survey Shows Privacy Protection a Prime Concern

Reding's comments indicated she is, indeed, clearly focused on answering questions and easing fears about data privacy so the process of creating an EU strategy and framework for the technology can move forward. The European Commission may draft a law on the subject some time in 2007.

"I take this message from the consultation very seriously," Reding said, "because I want to see the benefits of RFID in terms of better services and productivity gains. But, there has to be a clear win-win, with the citizens on board." Most people want to control their personal information, she notes, adding: "Clear labeling of tags—or the option to disable or destroy them electronically—will be an important part of our protective armor."

Personal-data privacy is highly prized in Germany, and Gabriel says the country's data-privacy activists may have organized to weigh in on the subject, thus boosting response rates for the country.

Joerg Pretzel, CEO of GS1 Germany, which represents EPCglobal in that nation, also welcomed the preliminary results from the consultation process. Pretzel says he expects the EUEU's RFID policy development to continue smoothly. The number of respondents, he adds, was indeed remarkable given that the whole process was managed in English and commentary was expected in English, as well.

Reding summed up the preliminary results of the consultation by saying Europe needs the right set of rules for the safe and secure implementation of RFID technology, and that Europe should fund more development of so-called privacy-enhancing technologies. She also stressed that standards need to be set on a global basis.