RFID stands for radio frequency identification and the technology uses radio signals to communicate with a tag which is placed in or attached to an object, animal, or a person. No direct contact is required and it has many uses such as in self-checkout lines at grocery store. RFID technology can be used to track people, animals and objects.
I think when manufacturing plants use RFID technology that it is a positive because the plants can keep track of works in progress and inventory more easily. It can also help reduce defects and different versions of the same product can be managed more easily. It means a smoother running business environment because it makes the business more efficient. Please see http://www.trportal.com/absolutenm/templates/article-barcode.aspx?articleid=3741&zoneid=11 for more information.
I see contactless cards as a negative for society. Contactless cards are standard credit cards with a Radio Frequency Microprocessor embedded in it. Please see http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2011/03/how-seccure-are-rfid-credit-cards.html. One of the disadvantages of having contactless cards is that they are more exposed than regular credit cards which means that they are easier to get stolen or hacked. I think that people will spend more money with these cards and would quickly be in debt without realizing it. More information is at http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Technology-Article.asp?ArtNum=63 and at http://www/findcreditcards.org/articles/2006/02/contactless_credit_the_f.php.
