Future of social networking explored in UW's computer science building

Each tag, which looks a bit like a thin, flexible credit card, costs about 20 cents to produce. A specialized reader can scan the card through any non-metal barrier and from up to 30 feet away, depending on the type of tag. RFID tags are miniature computer chips that contain far more information than a barcode. Also, you can write to an RFID tag—meaning the signal could not only identify the item, but what group it belongs to, when it was last seen, and other information.

Separate tags are attached to a purse, book, name badge and laptop adaptor (clockwise from top left). Click here for more information.

The technology has already proven its use in tracking goods. A manufacturer can identify a cart of hamburger patties and know which plant it came from, when it shipped out and a history of its temperature during transit. UW computer-science staff members have already requested to participate in the study so that they will be able to track their equipment as it is moved through the building.

But for people, the technology's power raises questions. An RFID card can be read from a distance and without the wearer's knowledge. The associated databases archive vast amounts of information.

"What if RFID readers were everywhere, and everything had RFID tags" What are the pluses and minuses" What do you do with all that data"" said Gaetano Borriello, a UW professor of computer science and engineering. "In computer science, we try to create a future world that doesn’t exist yet. We’d like to get some experience rather than just conjecture about this."

The researchers received human subjects approval to conduct the trial. Each participant will be able to control who can see his or her data, and can delete any data or opt out of the study at any time without explanation or penalty. Researchers also note that they have not placed any RFID readers near bathrooms or eating areas, because these are considered personal spaces.

Study volunteers will be interviewed periodically. The researchers will be assessing both positive aspects, such as keeping track of everything from where you lost your laptop charger to where your friends are meeting for coffee, and negative aspects in terms of loss of privacy.

"Even if you wanted to study just privacy, or just utility, you'd have to study the other as well," said Evan Welbourne, a UW doctoral student in computer science and engineering. "People are more likely to give out information if there's a benefit to them. You can't really separate issues of privacy from issues of utility."