We've recently been talking about RFID tags in class, and I finally decided to find some information so that I know better how these tags might affect mankind.
What is it?
RFID technology is the next logical step after the Universal Product Code
(UPC) that appears on virtually all consumer products. The UPC can tell the
scanner that an item is a 15-ounce bag of Lay’s Potato Chips and sells for
$2.99. The store’s inventory of chips is then reduced by one. RFID technology
can determine where and when the potato chips were made, which
batch it was from, and when it was shipped. It can then serve as a tracking
method that is much more sophisticated than mere inventory data.
The spread of RFID technology has raised privacy concerns, especially regarding its potential to track the movements of individuals. RFID tags can be included in items without public knowledge, and items with RFIDs can be tracked when they leave the store. Personal information is readily available online or in databases due to public records and other sources.
Consumers have little or no control in suppressing or editing most of it. For example, paying just $26 for each person, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer
Rights obtained the social security numbers and home addresses of CIA Director George Tenet,
Attorney General John Ashcroft, and Presidential Chief Political Advisor Karl Rove.12 Information about almost anyone can be acquired if data about these high profile figures are so easily accessible.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Legal Regulation of Internet Activity (Canada Laws)
Consumer Protection
Most jurisdictions have laws designed to protect consumers from unethical business
conduct, and these laws can be applicable online. There are numerous regulations
surrounding product design and packaging that vary from one country to another. There
are also regulations dealing with licenses required to sell, certifications needed to
deliver a service, mandatory contractual terms (regardless of what you say in your
website agreement), periods in which a customer can change their mind
without liability, and so on. In addition, there are often voluntary standards that are
ignored only at great risk. Businesses should be familiar with all applicable regulations
and legislative requirements in the jurisdictions where they conduct business, as well as
all applicable voluntary standards.
Fair Competition
In Canada, the most significant legislation in this regard is the Competition Act that
regulates acceptable advertising and promotion. The Competition Act prohibits false or
misleading advertising and this applies to websites as it does to other media.
Contests and Promotions
Contests and giveaways are subject to legal regulation. The Competition Act focuses
on disclosure of such things as the value of prizes, odds of winning and geographic
areas. Prizes must be distributed promptly, and winners must be chosen randomly or
on the basis of skill. The Criminal Code of Canada may require a skill-testing question.
A license from the province in which you are located may also be required.
Most jurisdictions have laws designed to protect consumers from unethical business
conduct, and these laws can be applicable online. There are numerous regulations
surrounding product design and packaging that vary from one country to another. There
are also regulations dealing with licenses required to sell, certifications needed to
deliver a service, mandatory contractual terms (regardless of what you say in your
website agreement), periods in which a customer can change their mind
without liability, and so on. In addition, there are often voluntary standards that are
ignored only at great risk. Businesses should be familiar with all applicable regulations
and legislative requirements in the jurisdictions where they conduct business, as well as
all applicable voluntary standards.
Fair Competition
In Canada, the most significant legislation in this regard is the Competition Act that
regulates acceptable advertising and promotion. The Competition Act prohibits false or
misleading advertising and this applies to websites as it does to other media.
Contests and Promotions
Contests and giveaways are subject to legal regulation. The Competition Act focuses
on disclosure of such things as the value of prizes, odds of winning and geographic
areas. Prizes must be distributed promptly, and winners must be chosen randomly or
on the basis of skill. The Criminal Code of Canada may require a skill-testing question.
A license from the province in which you are located may also be required.
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