Originally Posted by
MoreMilesPlease
Ok, I read the above article. It said no personal information can be gathered from the RFID, just a number. So ok, the number can be used to forge things just like your SS# can be used without your name, and a DL# can be used without your name or address. My new passport card (the size of a credit card) came with a protective envelope that stops anyone from reading anything off it at all according to the article.
So the big deal is to keep the passport card in it's protected sleeve and keep a new passport in a protective pouch. It's to late to stop the march of technology.
The problem is much greater than just that someone can "use" the number without you there. Because they can read your government-issued ID remotely it is now significantly easier to track people illicitly.
Yes, the key is to protect yourself from from folks being able to track you. In the case of a technology that is marching forward without proper oversight or considerations for personal privacy or security the responsible thing to do is to prevent yourself from being tracked in that way.
Destroying the RFID chip is the most reliable way to ensure this. That way you know you are protected, regardless of where you are carrying the card.
And it is most certainly NOT too late to pressure the government to act responsibly when it comes to things like individual privacy concerns. That time will never come.