RFID Passport Program Continues Apace
The U.S. Government Printing Office moved full steam ahead today with its RFID passport initiative. Four companies – OTI America,
*************************************
http://www.otiglobal.com/
"OTI is a global leader in contactless microprocessor-based smart card solutions for SmartID and homeland security, Contactless payment, Petroleum and more." ((("Petroleum"?)))
***********************************
ASK Contactless Technologies,
************************
http://www.ask-rfid.com/uk/our_company/at_a_glance.html
"ASK is the leading manufacturer of microprocessor contactless smart cards and contactless paper tickets for the public transportation market.
"Contactless technology offers significant advantages over contact based solutions in mass transit. ASK has focused on transportation, the first and most demanding contactless market.
"The company also addresses market segments of access control and identification, providing customers with loyalty schemes and e-purse for highways, cities, stadiums, university campus, libraries and other specific needs."
***********************************
Electronic Data Systems,
******************************
http://www.crikey.com.au/whistleblower/2004/07/15-0001.html
"There was chaos at CBA in Sydney on Monday when it was raided for software piracy - apparently the Electronic Data Systems (EDS) IT staff were downloading movies including porn, software, games and the like through CBA's massive internet pipe. They then stored it on CBA servers then burned it to CD - but here's the kicker - then they were selling it! All on CBA's time and dime!"
*******************************
and Oberthur Card Systems –
**********************
(((They're French!)))
http://www.oberthurcs.com/pages/aboutocs/overview.asp
"The company is part of the FranÁois-Charles Oberthur group of companies and is listed on the Euronext Stock Exchange (Euroclear code 12413)"
*****************************
were each awarded roughly $100,000 contracts to develop electronic passport solutions. Today's companies join four others that were awarded similarly valued contracts last October to develop the RFID tags for embedding in passports.
The initiative has met vocal resistance from those who believe RFID-enabled passports would needlessly expose their owners to safety and privacy vulnerabilities; passports containing the same information but requiring contact readers would be just as effective, they argue. The GPO has paid lip service to these concerns, but based on today's announcement it appears that the initiative will stay the course.
