RFID, for all its downfalls, is likely something that is here to stay. Even despite the numerous security concerns and uphill battles RFID manufacturers face, with backers like the country of Taiwan it's going to make headway. Taiwan has announced they will invest $12 Million per year for the next three years to assist in development of an RFID infrastructure. The clip is rather short, though their intentions are pretty clear either way. With the potential for RFID to rear its head in just about every aspect of our daily lives, from passports to anti-theft to cargo tracking, someone will need to supply the vast amounts of RFID chips the world will demand. Taiwan wants a piece of that:
By leveraging the capabilities of Taiwan companies in the manufacturing of IT hardware, Taiwan-based makers should be able to account for more than 10% of the global production value of RFID products, the sources stated.
Understandably so. With estimated demand reaching over $33 Billion just for RFID tags within four years, there's a lot of money to be made there. With a hint of industrialism in this new market, it's hoped that the manufacturers and retailers don't let the money get to their heads and remember the desire for privacy among people who will be ultimately using this technology. Preventing a DVD or sweater from being stolen is one thing, tracking its every moment for its entire existence is another. Luckily for the average consumer, the scope of RFID is rather limited and it is a short-range technology and one that could ultimately benefit us.