Chain won't use ID chips / Retailer pulls high-tech plan

I have a high degree of respect for privacy advocates. But sometimes I don't know wether to laugh or cry. The storm that errupted over Benetton's planned use of RFID chips in their clothes as a way of tracking inventory is just plain silly.

"Some privacy advocates have voiced concerns that the chips would follow shoppers home, possibly tracking their movements if the radio signal is powerful enough, transmitting personal information without consent. " (San Francisco Chronicle).

Oh get real, please! Does anyone really think that companies or governments would invest in hard ware and manpower to scan public places and/or neighborhoods to track customer movements? There are more pressing concerns relating to privacy that need attention from passionate people. Attacking the use of RFIS because it might, potentially (and in this case it REALLY is a strectch), be used the wrong way is just...plain silly!