The country's privacy watchdog â?? the Information Commissioner â?? has also clarified data protection implications of using RFID.

On Monday, (7 August) Ofcom published draft regulations which exempt the use of RFID equipment in the 865â??868 MHz band from wireless telegraphy licensing. The draft regulations are open for consultation until 12 September.

Ofcom is responsible for civil use of the radio spectrum. To protect current users from interference, it authorises use of new or reclaimed frequencies by granting licences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1949. Without such a licence it is illegal to use or install transmission equipment unless such use is exempt from the need to hold a wireless telegraphy licence.

The regulator has decided, however, that users of RFID technology are unlikely to cause interference to other users of the radio spectrum, and therefore they do not need a licence.

This opens a lot of doors for the use of RFID technology in the UK. More on the story here.