Renown Music Festival uses RFID to Control Counterfeits

South by Southwest (SXSW), one of the music industry's most popular and influential music festivals, has used RFID technology in their wristbands and badges for nearly 4 years after struggling to deal with a massive counterfeit problem. The festival, which has been popular since its inception in 1987, has grown exponentially in the last few years. Access control at performances is controlled by wristbands and badges worn by attendees, and in the past, counterfeit badges and wristbands made crowd control a serious problem. In 2003 alone, organizers estimate that the value of counterfeit wristbands was approximated at over $500,000. RFID technology in wristbands and badges has nearly eliminated the counterfeit problem - before entering a venue, attendees' badges or wristbands are scanned using a special reader which authenticates the badge or wristband as authentic.

SXSW 2007 will take place March 14-18 in Austin, TX.

Read more at Sys-Con.com...

ID Cards Required at NJ High School

In an effort to recover from its "most dangerous" label, Trenton Central High School is requiring all students to carry a photo ID badge with a bar code at all times. Upon entering the school, the student will be required to swipe the ID through a reader. The student's information will pop up on the screen, and if everything is verified, the student may enter. This drastic increase in security is designed to cut down on violence, track attendance, and improve the school's track record and reputation. Surveillance cameras and other security methods like panic locks and security guards are also planned.

Read more at NJTimes.com...

Canadian Airports Implement Biometric Card Technology

In an effort to increase security for air passengers and airport employees, Canada's 29 major airports have implemented an ID badge policy which uses high tech, ultra-secure biometrics technology. Along with a mandatory ID badge, restricted access points will also require an iris or fingerprint scan to grant entrance to more sensitive airport areas. Officials hope that this increase in security will help keep Canadian terminals, lobbies and skies safe.

Read more at FindBiometrics.com...

Portland School Implements Badge Policy

Due to recent events with intruders on campus, and in an effort to improve campus safety, administrators at Franklin High School in Portland, OR have implemented a policy which requires that all students, faculty and staff wear visible photo ID badges at all times. Reaction to the policy has been favorable, with most students viewing the requirements as a small price to pay for increased security. Teachers and administrators are finding the badges an easier and more effective way to not only spot non-students loitering on school grounds, but also improve processes like library checkouts, which also involve student IDs. There has been some resistance, however, among a small group of students. Most notably, the Franklin High Post published an editorial inquiring (perhaps humorously) if the next security measure would be to put bar codes on student's necks.

Read more at OregonLive.com...