‘Smart tag’ plans face stiff opposition

PLANS to introduce “smart tags” to track products are set to be met with stiff opposition.

Major manufacturers and retailers are considering putting a radio chip into products, allowing them track goods from the factory to the check-out.

But opponents claim this is an invasion of privacy as the chip will not be deactivated once it leaves the store and could be used to monitor consumers long after goods are been sold. The US group that spearheaded the campaign against Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has so far succeeded in getting firms such as Gillette, Walmart and Benetton to reconsider using the chip by threatening to organise a global boycott of their products.

But Marks and Spencer (M&S) is considering using the chip in products sold in stores throughout Ireland.

US academic Katherine Albrecht, who is spearheading the campaign, has vowed to fight M&S all the way. She believes there should be a legal requirement for the tags to be deactivated once they leave stores.

An M&S spokeswoman said they are aware of Ms Albrecht’s campaign and would endeavour to work with her if they decide to use RFID tagging.

It emerged yesterday that the European Central Bank is considering putting these tags on euro notes. An ECB spokesman would not comment on this.