Passport Cards to go Hi-tech in United States

Fire has been drawn from some quarters as the UShas recently researched a report on "Global Smart
govt. plans to use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)Card Industry - Future Outlook (2007)", "People
chips in the proposed program of passport cards forcarrying an RFID-enabled ID card may be exposed to
U.S. citizens. These ID cards will be mandatory forgreater surveillance without being aware of it.
residents who're not having passports for theirIndividuals with such cards are also likely to have less
identification anywhere in the country or overseas. Thiscontrol over when they want to be identified and what
program has been proposed so that security can beinformation is read, stored and shared." This research
shored up throughout the nation. Passengers whoreport on "Global Smart Card Industry - Future Outlook
travel by air among different countries may be asked(2007)", also addresses some interesting issues for
to show this kind of an ID proof anytime from 1sttoday's Global business environment. § The
January 2007 onwards, whereas for those who travelsituation of smart card industry in world. § The
by land or sea this rule is going to be applicable frompotential of smart cards if they are used with
January 2008. The State Department said, instead ofBiometrics Technology § Get an insight into trends
using contact less smart card technology "proximityin market performance § Pinpoint sectors of
read" it will use the RFID technology "vicinity read" ingrowth and identify the driving factors. § Key
cards in these new e-Passports. The objective is toChallenges and Strategies. § Identify market,
have passport cards of credit card size. Therefore,brand leaders and understand the competitive
customs & border security officials can readenvironment. § Major driving forces for smart
these cards even when they are 20-30 feet away.card Industry.
As per a Research Analyst's view at RNCOS, who