EPCglobal Subscribers are required to adhere to published public policy guidelines relating to consumer privacy. These guidelines provide that consumers should be given:
- Notice when EPC/RFID technology is in use
- Choice over using or disposing of the tag after purchase
- Education about EPC/RFID technology and its uses
- Control of information retained through the use of EPC/RFID technologies.
In order to increase awareness and understanding of the technology to the consumer, legislative, and supply chain side, we established the Public Policy Steering Committee (PPSC) : that is multi-industry, with global representation. It provides education and outreach to key stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
The mission of the PPSC is:
- To manage critical EPC public policy issues globally
- To communicate the benefits of EPC to key stakeholders
- To ensure that EPC is deployed responsibly without undue public, legislative, or regulatory pressure slowing implementation
The PPSC also covers issues beyond privacy, including:
- Waste and Environmental Impact
- Health and Human Safety
- Data Security
- Labor Impact
- Antitrust/Competition
It is important to keep in mind that EPC/RFID technology creates data about products, not people. Benefits of the technology are wide-ranging and long-lasting. As the technology grows and improves, new applications are designed to increase safety and efficiency in many areas, including:
- Product recalls
- Reduction in counterfeiting, especially in pharmaceutical and electronics
- Lowered theft
- Quicker time-to-shelf
- Cold chain compliance to ensure food freshness
What can your organization do to address privacy concerns?
- Now is the time!
- Pay attention and get it right
- Think about societal preferences, not just the law
- Show EPC/RFID industry can be a model of self-regulation
- Have questions about consumer issues? Use the PPSC for reference.