‘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.