Renewing Passport - contains electronic radio frequency tracking device

[LukeP]

I have to renew my passport this in a couple months. It seems like I have no choice but to get a passport with a Radio Frequency Identification chip. The website FAQ says I have no choice ( http://travel.state.gov/passport/eppt/eppt_2788.html#Eleven ). I really don't like this and it feels like being tracked. Anyone have any advice about this?

I'm posting in this forum cause I feel like you are the smartest people on the web. But also it seems aligned with Dr. Paul's policy against invasion of privacy and against the real id. Isn't this just like the real id or even worse? I guess citizens aren't required to carry a passport in the US but the logic seems to me that where ever the person's passport is, he or she is not very far from it.

The State Department has begun issuing a new type of passport book containing an embedded electronic chip and called an “Electronic Passport”. The new passport book continues to be proof of the bearer’s United States citizenship/nationality and identity, and looks and functions in the same way as a passport without a chip. The addition of an electronic chip in the back cover enables the new passport book to carry a duplicate electronic copy of all information from the data page. The new passport book is usable at all ports–of–entry, including those that do not yet have electronic chip readers.
Use of the electronic format provides the traveler the additional security protections inherent in chip technology. Moreover, when used at ports–of–entry equipped with electronic chip readers, the new passport book provides for faster clearance through some of the port–of–entry processes.
The new passport book does not require special handling or treatment, but like previous versions should be protected from extreme bending and from immersion in water. The electronic chip must be read using specially formatted readers, which protects the data on the chip from unauthorized reading. The cover of the new passport book is printed with a special symbol representing the embedded chip. The symbol will appear in port–of–entry areas where the electronic passport book can be read.

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/79960.pdf

 

[polexi]

Here's a good idea: Rip it out of the back.

 

[thomaspaine23]

Hi mr. passport, meet mr. hammer repeatedly.....

 

[RSLudlum]

will running a strong magnet over it kill the chip???

 

[Austin]

Put it in the microwave for a second or two.

 

[sgrooms]

will running a strong magnet over it kill the chip???

should

 

[SWATH]

microwave it for 10 sec. I've heard that kills it.

 

[Mark Rushmore]

Maybe microwave it for a bit?

 

[nate895]

I say sledgehammer it. I was discussing ways of destroying one yesterday on the way home from a knowledge bowl competition.

Also, would Ron Paul allow me to have a miniature nuclear power plant on my property if he were President?

 

[libertythor]

What will happen if my Electronic passport fails at a port-of-entry?

The chip in the passport is just one of the many security features of the new passport. If the chip fails, the passport remains a valid travel document until its expiration date. The bearer will continue to processed by the port-of-entry officer as if he/she had a passport without a chip.



Just find and disable the chip.

 

[CAKochenash]

The law states the document is just as valid w/o the chip...

 

[BuddyRey]

Many websites are now selling RFID-blocking wallets and passport cases. Here are some I found that look pretty cool!

http://www.difrwear.com/purchase.shtml

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/rfidblocking-wallet-and-passport-case-160702.php

Whether they actually work or not, I haven't a clue.

 

[Steveco]

sweet, so if I get a reader and someone walks onto my useded car lot I can get there name, DOB, SS# and such, then do a credit check without them knowing, that would save a lot of time , I would no longer have to waste time talking to of allowing test drives for people with crappy credit.

They should put that chip in the drivers license also

 

[Steveco]

now I need a used car lot

 

[BuddyRey]

sweet, so if I get a reader and someone walks onto my useded car lot I can get there name, DOB, SS# and such, then do a credit check without them knowing, that would save a lot of time , I would no longer have to waste time talking to of allowing test drives for people with crappy credit.

They should put that chip in the drivers license also

If you lived in NC you'd be in luck. We get the first-in-the-nation RFID drivers' licenses. Yay for us!!!

 

[Jimmy]

Put it in the microwave for a second or two.

Second or two hell....COOK THAT BITCH!!

 

[Ara825]

How can you tell if your passport has a chip in it? Hubby and I renewed ours about five months ago.

 

[LukeP]

Thanks for the comments/suggestions.

 

[suzypotaka]

Maybe microwave it for a bit?

Hmmm..it leaves a burn mark. Anyone doubting you are being tracked? Hate to tell you, yet it's already in the $$$ you are carrying. They know how much now! Microwave that & you'll see! {{Course at our last meetup post-caucus, we started scrapping it out of a few bills to show the doubters amongst us}}

 

[suzypotaka]

How can you tell if your passport has a chip in it? Hubby and I renewed ours about five months ago.

Trust me ! You HAVE the chipo!! The reuling changed I believe in Oct of '06

If I recall correctly tinfoil works (have to check my sources again for accurateness) When in doubt? Use a hammer!