Partygoers get RFID tagged for art's sake

We assume the idea behind the RFID Tracking Party held at San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art earlier this week was to make some kind of clever, artsy, postmodern statement about privacy, society and art. Either that, or it was an excuse for a group of techie-art types to get together, have a few drinks and check out some flashy light displays. In truth, it was probably a little of both, as attendees were handed RFID tags at the door, and their status at the party was tracked throughout the evening, with their location displayed on various screens. While we're okay with temporarily sacrificing our privacy for art — or for a few free drinks — we sort of hope we don't see too many more parties like this. Part of the fun of a night out is to just find someplace to chill, kick back and forget where you are, and somehow constantly being reminded of your location and status takes at least some of the fun out of it.

[Amir Meshkin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

That is kind of cool, but yes I agree, I would go to that party but it wqould be a once in lifetime thing.

[ryerson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

damn...missed free beer

[Walter E. Wallis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

As long as it is voluntary. How about everyone entering a mall getting an I.D. that would allow others in his party to find him, or let parents find kids. It could alarm if any child tried to leave the mall before a parent. Even register at convention booths for literature.

[Jason @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Down with RFID!!!

[TheBlunderbuss @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

It would be a nice thing to have if you were looking for your friends (or that ladyfriend) at one such swinging party.

If it's privacy you want, there's nothing wrong with switching tags with someone else. It's another thing if you dropped yours in the punch bowl, however.

[Andrew L. @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I love how the engadget nerds pretend they go to parties.

[-M @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

With out some serious encription, this could get way out of hand. I hope this is not the start of something bigger at places like the office.

[Christopher R @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

RFID - good idea, but will be exploited soon enough. *Waves 'bye bye' to privacy*

[Glenn @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Wicked cool. How do the rest of us get in on this?