It has been almost a month I have not updated this blog.Reason being; attended my graduation in Scotland. Nevertheless, I have done some general research and observation on RFID in Malaysia lately. I have some interesting development to share with (provided that the materials that I am awaiting would be acceptable for online dissemination). On another note, I am keen to participate and present in the coming BILETA 2008. I would be writing on RFID. The abstract sounds as follows:-RFID; IS PRIVACY STILL A MAJOR ISSUE IN MALAYSIA?
Noriswadi Ismail LLM (Information Technology & Telecommunications Law) Strathclyde
Group General Counsel/Company Secretary
Vice President, Corporate Services
HeiTech Padu Berhad, Malaysia
Abstract:
Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) is no more a hype. It is now being deployed and tested in various industries throughout the world. The absence of a specific data protection and privacy legislation has led to many unsolved issues. Even though the success of RFID deployment encourages the growth and maturity of an ubiquitous society, it is claimed however, inhibits privacy. This debate has been the major cornerstone of civil liberties. Limited dissemination on RFID is also another key issue. Due to these scenarios, this paper shall explore the present issues that have not been unveiled, argued and debated openly in Malaysia. Three (3) reasons have been outlined. Firstly, the delay of data protection legislation, which in a way, contributes to the issue. Whilst the delay is being regarded as a ‘genuine’ and not a politically motivated one, however, it has taken quite some time for Malaysia to await its outcome and implementation. Secondly, the non-existence of such a regulatory and technical standard of RFID deployment has resulted to diversified approaches and techniques in mitigating data and privacy. This has led to many ICT and RFID middleware companies; being the service provider to deploy RFID with less pre-emptive assessment on data and privacy. Thirdly, the limited dissemination on RFID and data protection knowledge has also contributed to the issue. Whilst endless effort has taken place via the international foray, however, the dissemination reach is far beyond than the desired expectation. In outlining these reasons and issues pedantically, this paper has cross referred to the strategic position and consultation initiated by the European Union, being the general benchmark and balanced reasoning for Malaysia’s potential RFID roadmap.
Perhaps, it was quite an astonishment for certain countries that Malaysia is leading the pack in RFID growth, albeit, the data protection and privacy laws is pending. Public policy engagement in this area should be of a great concern. Indeed, it would not be materialised if there would be limited participation by the stakeholders. The recent development that was jointly developed by Intel and Siemens for an RFID blood bank is noble. Yet, it's generally unsure whether there have been certain pre-emptive risk controls, measures and privacy impact assessment. I believe, certain compliance checklist and best practices have been incorporated. The news are readable here.
Hi blog. It has been a while I have not been updating this blog due to my one whole month of hibernation for the LLM dissertation and settling down at work with a new position (as the Group General Counsel/Company Secretary, Vice President, Corporate Services).Now, the dissertation has been passed, marked and finally received its commendable praise. Though I have not secured distinction, the fact that the subject matter is truly challenging. I managed to secure a very good mark. Thanks to the people who have had inspired my RFID research for the past one (1) year. I will, however, post the contents of the dissertation bit by bit (chapter by chapter) soon. In the meantime, bumped into this. Although it's quite not a new development (in 2004). It would give some general idea, how would Malaysia position her RFID's market growth and potential. Welcome back Noris! Sorry for the long gap.
This presentation has briefed some privacy implications of RFID in a healthcare setting. I wonder has the follow up being disseminated to the stakeholders.
Wow. This article is bravely written and sometimes, providing some shocking yet sensible points to laymen. Not many would be able to comprehend the words between the lines. However, it is a good to appraise the positive aspects of the author's findings.
This is a good read up for those who are interested to discover the potential deployment, advantages and the foreseaable risk(s) of RFID in the pharmaceutical industry. Brief one and succintly written.
Interestingly, even if this Article seems to have been published a year ago, it attracts my interest on the writer's udnerstanding. Sometimes, it's good to udnerstanding the technology and the contributions. But, sometimes, it's worthwhile to propose some balanced views on the same. An eye opener to the medical industry.
I have selflessly and deeply read this. It will be held in 2008. I think, I may want to submit a paper on RFID, positioning the Malaysia's perspective or South East Asia (SEA). But, it does not have public policy sector. So much so, I have to abandon the intention.
As I am brainstorming and writing the dissertation, Christian Laux's views seem to open my mind. But then, as he said, there is no standard of pervasiveness of technology. A pretty much thin line to illustrate, distinguish and substantiate.
Read Doug Mohney's write up on this. The bottom line is; RFID poses threats like the internet does, albeit, the only difference is the technology. It partially makes sense.
This draft version of the European RFID Policy outlook is very, very, very interesting to read. The outlook was the preliminary consultation by the stakeholders (in various occasions and sessions) throughout Europe. It is hoped that some affirmative action would have taken place in months to come. As for Asia and Malaysia, we are unsure where we are heading to?...
Mark Palmer has identified seven (7) principles or may I say, "best practices" of RFID Data Management. I wonder how it would be in practice. Also, another paper that may be considered as novel.
Even though it sounds very technical, I think, this paper is worthy to be read. Another progress of RFID. Interestingly, the summary and outlook has given some foregone points on RFID vis-a-vis' the automative industry. Besides, the joint authors of this paper (all of them are from Switzerland), has succintly concluded that the issue of 'standard' will be the 'subject matter of discussion' in years to come when adopting and difussing RFID in the automative industry.
It would be a superb technological application marrying both; WiFi and RFID. This talk, has briefly outlined the wonderness of it. However, privacy issues are left behind. Sometime in 2004, the Harvard Business School organized this talk, to explore the advantages and dangers of a "smart" barcodes. It's good when they regarded RFID as "the ecosystem of the internet". In another interesting view on the "rights chipped away"; do read this draft opinion by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California
Shin'ichi Konomi has beautifully updated some of the technological progress of RFID in Japan here. Nanaco is the name of the technology - which has been widely deployed in selected Seven Eleven stores. I wonder, and still researching what is Japan's stance on the issue of privacy and data protection on this. Nevertheless, I believe the legislated data protection provisions of Japan, are less matured in terms of its application and implementation. Prove me wrong on this, if anyone wishes to debunk.
My absence is due to many factors. Amongst others, summer break, research for my dissertation, consultancy and work. However, I will never ignore this dearly blog, never.I missed this conference: EPC Global EPC/RFID Conference 2007, from 11 July to 12 July due to prior obligations. General details on the latter could also be retrieved here. I predict that the RFID growth is getting its momentum. Though sounds very industry focused, however, I would be more than happy to see some move on highlighting privacy issues within RFID. On a more positive note, my LLM outline dissertation (on RFID) has been approved by the supervisor. It's pretty much challenging, yet refreshing to divulge into substantial legal issues instead of policy and technology growth. I will let you know the development soon.
