You there! With the tin-foil hat!

[Jim]

http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,65412,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1

[SeedOfChaos]

While I don't think storing more info to verify one's identity on passports is generally a bad idea, putting RFID chips in is. Why? Because it does not increase security of the passport at all. It is only makes it easier to access the information stored, which again reduces its security.

If you were to commit a terrorist act or a crime, would you be carrying ANY sort of ID with you? Most likely not, especially if you know the ID card or passport is RFID'd.

I for one would not like a mall to make a shopping profile of me because I was carrying my passport/drivers license around. AND know my address to spam me later. Without me opting in. No thanks, really, our privacy is being compromised enough already (mostly for custom, targeted, ads), I do not need my government to help the companies in the quest for more ways to rip me off.

They should just use some sort of smart card chip which needs to be dragged through a reader, like a phone's SIM card or your ATM card. You wouldn't even need to worry a lot about encryption, because the bearer of the document is in control of who can access the information or not.

Let's keep privacy invading instruments "opt-in", instead of having to "opt-out", if that's even possible.

[Ken]

Here! :D

Hmm, I only have a couple more years left on my current passport, I guess that I had better make sure that I have plenty of aluminum foil on hand... *rushes out to Publix Supermarket to buy more...* You just can't have enough of that sweet stuff!