Technology, freedom & privacy

Here's a link to Boing Boing director, talking or the transcript to what he said, for an Amnesty International webcast about technology and freedom globally. He warns us that technology has a downside, too, e.g., RFID tags can invade our privacy. RFID tags are used in passports, as he mentions, and in much library automation (for circulation, e.g.), which he does not mention. In other words, they have become more and more pervasive, as more functions are automated throughout society, sometimes with the actual intention of recognizing personal identification and information. The ALA has a position on privacy and confidentiality that library patrons have a right to free inquiry "without having the subject of one's interest examined or scrutinized by others." The ALA also has adopted a resolution on RFID technology. You can find more information about this policy at the following link on ALA RFID policy.