Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the Workplace: A Consultation Paper on Recommendations for Good Practices

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada prepared this consultation paper to set out good practice rules for organizations that seek to harness the benefits of RFID technologies. While RFID has potential applications across a wide range of sectors and activities, this paper is focused on the use of RFID in the workplace. The Commissioner is concerned that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have the potential to be used as tools for surveillance, which could very much undermine the dignity and autonomy of employees. The central message of this paper is that where these technologies are deployed in a workplace, the deployment must be respectful of privacy and in conformity with Fair Information Principles.