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The Future of the Identification Process 

Where will the evolution of the identification process take us? We know a few hundred years ago identification was basically a short written description or simply personal identification through those who knew you. We know that today identification badges loaded with numerous security functions are required in many sensitive areas. We know that we have our driver’s license for photo identification or state issued identification cards. Security has demanded that some form of identification is implemented to ensure the safety and security process. But what does the future hold? What is the next step towards enhancing the ultimate process of producing a secure environment?

Some seem to think that the problem will be better addressed with a National Identification Card. Many countries around the world already utilize a card of this nature. These cards go beyond that of a typical photo identification card. These cards are programmed with bar codes and chips that require additional security functions such as thumb prints or eye scans. Are we becoming the society often depicted in the movies? This has become a very controversial proposal in the government. Many citizens believe that this type of identification card will be an invasion of privacy. They also believe that the government will in some way use the card against them. This is no longer the simple identification card process of the past but rather a civil rights issue of the future.

Another form of identification being considered is the Implantable Identity Badge. This is definitely high tech and resembles something out of a science fiction movie but today it is a reality. The suggested use of this chip, which is implanted just beneath the skin, is for medical history. A code in the chip can be used by medical personnel to access your history immediately in order to save your life. This should eliminate the error caused by time and individual ineffectiveness. These Radio Frequency Identification chips have been utilized for some time in animals and are presently being used on humans in other countries. Scanners can only read these tags from a close distance. These tags could also be programmed to allow access to various facilities with a simple wave of the hand.

The concern of course is that many people fear that these types of enhanced identification procedures will allow the government to achieve enhanced opportunities to invade their privacy or monitor their activities. It gives birth to paranoia and fear of a totalitarian government having full control of its citizens. The future of the identification process is going to be complicated and yet extremely interesting. Those who dream of a unified world identification card that will create peace and harmony might just be a tad out of reach. Most countries cannot even agree on a national identification card. The introduction of chip implementation is interesting and debatable. In the end technology will deliver new options for the identification process that will ensure that options are in place to deal with the ever evolving world of security.

Original appearance:http://www.rfid-tech.net/the-future-of-the-identification-process/