The European Commission is investigating pros and cons of RFID. This seems like a common sense, balanced investigation.

“RFID tags are far cleverer than traditional bar codes. They are the precursors of a world in which billions of networked objects and sensors will report their location, identity, and history” said Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding. “These networks and devices will link everyday objects into an ‘internet of things’ that will greatly enhance economic prosperity and the quality of life. But as with any breakthrough, there is a possible downside – in this case, the implications of RFID for privacy. This is why we need to build a society-wide consensus on the future of RFID, and the need for credible safeguards. We must harness the technology and create the right opportunities for its use for the wider public good.”

http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/289&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

In the U.S., the State Department seems to be marching ahead with plans to require RFID chips on passports. There have been several rounds of review and comment on proposed regulations, but privacy advocates are not yet reassured.

http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=175800183