How do RF-enabled smart cards make identification systems more privacy-secure?
• Data on smart cards cannot be altered and they have extremely strong anti-counterfeit capabilities. • The cardholder can control access to personal information. • Smart card security features (for example, digital signatures, encryption and authentication) better protect personal information. • Smart cards can use encryption to protect data confidentiality and integrity when transmitted using RF. • Smart cards enable e-government and online applications with high security. • Use of the ID card can be better tied to the card owner, with the use of PINs or biometrics. What are the most important considerations for policy makers? The most important point is to recognize that RFID and RF-enabled contactless smart cards are very different technologies. RF-enabled contactless smart cards actually enhance privacy, security and information protection in identity systems. It is important that any policy efforts to protect privacy by limiting the use of RFID for identity applications do not al
