It Can Happen Here

Recently I received a new book to read titled "It Can Happen Here" by Joe Conason. So far it is highly informative. It is giving me a more intricate look into the politics of the last 7 years that I had previously glimpsed. I will share more as I get more deeply into the book.

In the mean time, passing on this latest tidbit shared with me by a dear friend:
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in passports, credit cards, etc. to track where you go, and what you buy. It sounds like something out of an old sci fi thriller, but it is actually happening today. I wanted to know more so tried to do a search online, and came across this Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID

Passports

RFID tags are being used in passports issued by many countries. The first RFID passports ("E-passport") were issued by Malaysia in 1998. In addition to information also contained on the visual data page of the passport, Malaysian e-passports record the travel history (time, date, and place) of entries and exits from the country.

Standards for RFID passports are determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and are contained in ICAO Document 9303, Part 1, Volumes 1 and 2 (6th edition, 2006). ICAO refers to the ISO 14443 RFID chips in e-passports as "contactless integrated circuits". ICAO standards provide for e-passports to be identifiable by a standard e-passport logo on the front cover.

In 2006, RFID tags were included in new US passports. The US produced 10 million passports in 2005, and it has been estimated that 13 million will be produced in 2006. The chips will store the same information that is printed within the passport and will also include a digital picture of the owner. The US State Department initially stated the chips could only be read from a distance of 10 cm (4 in), but after widespread criticism and a clear demonstration that special equipment can read the test passports from 10 meters (33 feet) away, the passports were designed to incorporate a thin metal lining to make it more difficult for unauthorized readers to "skim" information when the passport is closed. The department will also implement Basic Access Control (BAC), which functions as a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in the form of characters printed on the passport data page. Before a passport's tag can be read, this PIN must be entered into an RFID reader. The BAC also enables the encryption of any communication between the chip and interrogator ^[14]. Despite this precaution, the Center for Democracy and Technology has issued warnings that significant security weaknesses that could be used to track U.S. travelers are apparent in the specifications of the card design as outlined by the U.S. Department of State.^[15]

If you don't trust the government to successfully include the thin metal sheathe, you can protect your passport with these envelopes: http://tech.propeller.com/story/2006/08/01/rfid-blocking-passport-covers-for-your-passport/