NEW YORK -- Despite negative press on the privacy hazards posed by RFID technology, most consumers have not yet formed a strong opinion about the technology, and many are looking for more information, according to a new study from Cap Gemini Ernst & Young here.
As a result, retailers still have time to "include consumers in the RFID discussion," according to the study, "RFID and Consumers: Understanding Their Mind-Set." Retailers should "make it clear that there's something in it for them," not just advantages for stores, it said.
The study also suggested that retailers "address their concerns and debunk myths with facts regarding costs and prices, as well as privacy, and environmental and health issues."
Even though RFID tags won't be widely used at the item level in stores for several years, "don't wait too long to get started," the study said.
The study also endorsed privacy guidelines issued by EPCglobal, responsible for forming standards on the EPC technology in RFID systems. Those guidelines, also endorsed by Food Marketing Institute, include giving consumers notice of the technology; choice about removing or disabling tags; and information about how the technology works and how data collected by it will be used.
