The RFID Anonymizer

As RFID becomes a mainstream technology in consumer packaged goods, the debate of its effects on consumer privacy also continues. There are a lot of interesting uses for RFID products when it comes to the supply chain, as this is what RFID was initially conceived for. Tracking razorblades that are easily stolen, or automating inventory count of crates, cartons and pallets are all fantastic uses.

But once those products hit the consumer's home, they might have a need to be anonymized. The supply chain benefits are beginning to get distorted by davvy marketers that want to know what's in your fridge, your closet, bathroom, etc...

As consumers, we need an RFID Anonymizer

RFID tags need to be anonymized. Perhaps there can be a product that allows to detect and RFID tag, and pull a trigger to disable it. Detection can happen in the same manner as keychains detect wi-fi networks, and disabling or anonymizing by pointing and pressing.

This creates two important things. First, the economies of RFID need to yield their benefits in the supply chain and not in the demand chain so that if tags are anonymized the RFID proposition as a whole doesn't fall appart. That is, it needs to focus on reaping the benefits before products hit consumers.

Second, the fact that RFID will inevitably will be used to learn more about consumer preferences, makes an RFID anonymizer an essential tool for paranoid and non-paranoid consumers. Consumers will not be able to opt out of buying RFID tagged products nor will all stores anonymize tags on exit, creating the need for a home device.