Could electronic tags be the new safety measure in Japan? Two Japanese schools in Wakayama Prefecture will coordinate to monitor the students through
electronic tags similar to those used on merchandise. Gates will be set up at the school and around dangerous premises to monitor the students'
travel to the schools.
Source
Yahoo! Asia:
The bureau is planning to request the participation of all students after explaining the initiative to their parents as well as addressing privacy
issues.
An official of the Kinki bureau said, "We hope to build a system that helps enhance safety for pupils, when interest (on such an issue) is growing."
While I can see they have a good intent, I disagree with the method in which they are carrying out this initiative. Setting up gates that monitor
electronic tags throughout the city can be abused for monitoring the activities of those outside the school. How long do we have to wait until this
becomes a landmark program that will be implemented throughout the world? Then used on parolees and in other high-crime areas under the guise of
reducing crime. This should be an interesting topic to see how it pans out in other uses.
[edit on 9-7-2004 by Jamuhn]
