Traveler Beware

From NBC Newschannel:

NEXT TIME YOU GET A PASSPORT.. IT'LL COME WITH A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED IT'S FINAL RULES FOR PUTTING "RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION CHIPS" INTO ALL U.S. PASSPORTS.

THE CHIPS HOLD DIGITAL PHOTOS AND OTHER INFORMATION... WHICH IS TRANSMITTED ELECTRONICALLY.

THEY WILL BE REQUIRED IN ALL NEW AND RENEWED PASSPORTS STARTING NEXT OCTOBER.

A PILOT PROGRAM STARTS LATER THIS YEAR.

THE CHIPS ARE DESIGNED TO INCREASE SECURITY... BUT CRITICS SAY THE INFORMATION IN THE CHIPS CAN BE INTERCEPTED ELECTRONICALLY.

THERE ARE ALSO CONCERNS ABOUT PROTECTING PERSONAL PRIVACY.

Needless to say I'll be renewing my passport before next October and for as long as possible.
Nimitz' Lady