RFID Chips in US Passport and ID Documents May Pose Massive Threat to Diplomats

Jonathan Warren's Scam Scope:

"Nightmare security issues with the new US Passport and e-Passport (Passport Card) call into question the compliance of these documents with even the most basic security issues.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090711/ap_on_bi_ge/us_chipping_america_iv

The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security did much to avoid risk of hackers getting in to the database, by making the number a mere pointer to their own files grounded in DHS computers. But the very function of the RFID chip, broadcasting an ID number, is easily co-opted by the private sector (retailers), and combined with the other information the retailer collects.

No need to obtain the government's data file, just about anyone can buy the data collected by the retailer, including your identity, all of your buying habits and payment options, demographics information, etc. The data then is neatly wrapped up and tied together with your RFID number, then sold, legally, to any number of buyers.

Now you walk through the mall, with your new drivers license, passport or passport card in your wallet, and that Israeli chick at the kiosk with the Dead Sea soap calls you by name - from 30 feet away.

Worse, some creepy guy likes what he sees when you pull up next to him in traffic. He inputs your RFID on his mobile, and gets everything about you, including address. He may even add your license plate number to the database app on his iphone.

Worse again, you can be completely watched on cameras which turn on only when you are within 30 feet, anywhere in the world. You might not be worried about that at home, but what about when you are at a foreign airport, or in a foreign city? How about when you are crossing between two foreign countries?

It seems that RFID has no redeeming value. Please comment."

9th World Congress of Consuls Confirmed for Izmir, Turkey Nov. 2009

Hosted by the Honorable Aikut Eken (http://www.consul.cc/consul/index.php/383/JM-TR), Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Turkey, and Secretary-Treasurer of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC - http://www.ficacworld.org/), the 9th World Congress of Consuls will take place in Izmir, Turkey on 14-18 November, 2009.

A prosperous industrialist and stalwart supporter of the World Federation, Mr. Eken has consulted and planned the event for years, conferring with FICAC board members regularly, on six continents. He had named this Conference "Collaberation for Economic and Social Prosperity."

Known in part for producing legendary events, Mr. Eken has provided a complete website for the event at http://www.congressofconsuls.com/.

All member consular corps of FICAC are invited to attend. If your consular corps is not a member of FICAC, or you are not a consul but would like to attend, you may do so by joining the Consular Chamber of Commerce at http://www.consul.cc/.

The World Conference of Consuls brings together honorary consuls from all over the globe to continually define and promote public and business diplomacy. This is by far the most effective venue to expand one's outreach in business diplomacy or business itself.

Please join us in Izmir for what promises to be yet another amazing and productive World Conference of Consuls.