Clipped Tag

IBM and the Toronto-based Marnlen RFiD have agreed to explore the future use of the Clipped Tag technology for radio frequency tagging labels

The Clipped Tag technology, developed at IBM's Watson Research Center, allows consumers to tear off a section of the tag.

The tags, essentially tiny radio transmitters, are predicted by many to play an increasing role in retail merchandising. Privacy advocates, however, are worried that the tags would continue to transmit after they’ve left the store, potentially revealing information about consumers.

Paul Moskowitz, IBM Research, said, "The Clipped Tag puts privacy protection into the hands of the consumer. It gives the consumer a visual confirmation of the tags' modification."

Learn more: Marnlen to Embrace IBM Invention for Privacy-Enabled Product Tracking Labels (press release)