20
Dec
2007
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Opinion on the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Europe: steps towards a policy framework (COM(2007) 96), OJ C 101, 23.04.2008, p. 1
The EDPS published on 20 December 2007 an Opinion on the Commission's Communication on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Europe that was released in March 2007. The Opinion deals with the growing use of RFID chips in consumer products and other new applications affecting individuals.
The EDPS welcomes the Commission's Communication on RFID as it addresses the main issues arising from the deployment of RFID technology while taking account of privacy and data protection considerations. The EDPS agrees with the Commission that it is appropriate in the first phase to leave room for self-regulatory instruments. However, additional legislative measures may be necessary to regulate RFID usage in relation to privacy and data protection.
Supporting the opt-in option at the point of sale, the "privacy by design" principle and the identification of "best available techniques", the EDPS recommends considering the adoption of a proposal for Community legislation regulating the main issues of RFID-usage in case the proper implementation of the existing legal framework fails.
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COM(2007) 96 final of 15.03.2007
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