RFID is an automatic identification method that relies on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders.An RFID tag is an object that can be applied to, or incorporated into, a product, an animal or a person for the purpose of identification or remote tracking through radio waves.

The EDPS released an opinion (pdf) on the issue in December 2007, which underlines that RFID systems could play a key role in the development of the European information society, but also that the wide acceptance of RFID technologies should be facilitated by the benefits of consistent data protection safeguards.