DEVICES WHICH CONTAIN smart chips and systems will get their own EU-wide logo to show consumers which devices are in line with its data protection rules.

The European Commission (EC) has revealed a new logo to be used for devices that use Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) smart chips and systems and comply with EU regulations.

RFID chips store information electronically and is found in a wide number of devices like smartphones, and smart tags. It can be used to complete payments, unlock items, keep track of retail stock and prevent theft.

The logo is to be used by retailers and organisations and it’s asking them to deactivate stock-controlled RFID when they’re sold immediately and for free.

It’s hoped that in sectors such as healthcare and banking where its use is increasing, these changes will prevent a legal ‘grey zone’ from developing around the technology.

In a statement, EC Vice President Neelie Kroes said that the scheme is to help ensure that citizens’ data is protected and they are aware of what services are activated.

Smart tags and systems are part of everyday life now, they simplify systems and boost our economy. But it is important to have standards in place which ensure those benefits do not come at a cost to data protection and security of personal data.

It’s expected that the global market for RFID applications is expected to grow to €6.8 billion in 2014.

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