For Subscribers

Private Matters Retail alert: Keep an eye on new RFID privacy legislation.

By Amanda C. Kooser

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The buzz on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is growing, asare potential speed bumps. Companies like Target and Wal-Mart aremoving ahead with initiatives to eventually require all theirsuppliers to use RFID tags, which have wireless capabilities thathelp track products as they move through the supply chain. But, aswith many new technologies, privacy is a big issue.

Several states are considering legislation that would regulatethe use of RFID. Their concern is that companies could use RFID tocollect data on unsuspecting consumers. State Sen. Debra Bowen(D-CA), who introduced a bill into the California legislature,said, "There's no reason to let RFID sneak up on us whenwe have the ability to put privacy protections in place before thegenie's out of the bottle." The basic tenets of the billcall for telling consumers that an RFID system is being used,getting consent before tracking or collecting information, andremoving or destroying RFID tags before a consumer leaves thestore. These points will probably be echoed in legislationelsewhere, including an upcoming bill in Massachusetts.

If this legislation goes into effect, or if similar bills passon the federal level, retailers and businesses that use RFID willbe affected. By staying on top of the issue now, you'll have aleg up when you implement the technology. For the latest RFID news,visit the RFID Journal.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

They Started a Side Hustle Producing an 'Obvious' Food Item. It Hit $300,000 Monthly Revenue Fast — On Track for Over $20 Million in 2025.

When Jason Rosenbaum and Hailey Swartz couldn't find the product they wanted to see on grocery store shelves, they took matters into their own hands.

Management

Selling Your Business Goes Beyond a Price Tag — Ask Your Buyer These 5 Questions to Ensure They're the Right Fit

Before you sign the dotted line, ask the questions that reveal who your buyer really is — and what they truly value.

Real Estate

Why Buying a 'Second Home' First is the New Way to Build Wealth — and Enjoy Free Vacations

The dream of owning a home has never felt more out of reach. So, a growing number of aspiring homeowners are making an unconventional choice.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Here's How Much Google Software Engineers, Product Managers, and Data Scientists Make in a Year

Data revealed in federal filings shows how much Google is compensating its employees.

Business News

Here's the Exact Amount of Money You Need to Be Wealthy, According to a Charles Schwab Survey

Financial service giant Charles Schwab's annual Modern Wealth Survey reveals some eye-popping numbers.