[oclug] RFID water readings

[alayne at twobikes.ottawa.on.ca]

The City of Ottawa is about to approve a new system of water meter 
readings, to be done through RFID (radio frequency identification) at a 
relatively long range (i.e. from the street in front of your house).

It's being discussed this afternoon at Corporate Services Committee and 
will be sent for approval on Aug. 23 at City Council.

The report is at:
http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/csedc/2006/08-15/ACS2006-CRS-FIN-0029.htm

What I found disquieting is that the report doesn't deal at all with 
either encryption (privacy) or authentication (spoofing), This would be 
particularly of concern if this technology is expanded to be used for 
other utility readings or other city uses.

If you have concerns, you could write to the Mayor 
(Bob.Chiarelli at ottawa.ca) or your City Councillor:
http://ottawa.ca/city_hall/mayor_council/councillors/index_en.html .

-- 
Alayne McGregor
alayne at twobikes.ottawa.on.ca

"Fiction is about everything human and we are made out of dust, and if you scorn getting yourself
dusty, then you shouldn't write fiction. It isn't grand enough for you." -- Flannery O'Connor