RFID FAQS

RFID stands for Radio-Frequency IDentification. 

 RFID technology is a wireless method of identifying and tracking objects using radio waves. It uses a small chip, called an RFID tag or transponder, which can be embedded into a wide variety of objects, such as tickets, credit cards, passports, etc. The chip transmits a unique identification number which is picked up by an RFID reader.

RFID has been around since the 1980s and we use it when accessing public transport, using our passports or making payments in-store. In the last decade, event hosts have adopted this technology to control entry and access, take cashless payments and offer interactive experiences. RFID offers a quick, secure and digital alternative to traditional methods of data exchange and poses many benefits to both event organisers and customers.

The RFID reader sends out a low-frequency radio signal that powers the RFID tag, allowing it to transmit its identification number back to the reader. This information is then used to identify the object associated with the RFID tag and can be stored in a database for tracking and analysis purposes.

Electronic RFID chips are commonly embedded into event wristbands, cards and badges, and can be used around event sites either by tapping the device against a reader or by walking under, or next to an antenna at an entrance / exit. The tag and reader will automatically exchange information when they are close enough together.

Following the trial that took place last year with a small group of volunteers, we have extended the project to help us understand whether Members use their Guest Badge allocation, allowing us to adapt to changes in attendance patterns and inform future decisions about Membership.

Members should distribute their Guest badges as normal.  Guests should then display their badges in the usual fashion and when they pass through one of the entrances to the enclosures, the badge will anonymously note that a Guest has arrived.

No this is not a problem. It is possible for us to differentiate between Guest badges that are being worn by Guests as opposed to Guest badges that are being carried around by Members by filtering out any ‘non-human’ activity.

No – all Guest badges issued as part of the Membership packs have an RFID chip embedded.  We understand that you may have concerns about privacy and that is why the project has been designed so that all data collected is completely anonymous and will not be traceable to any individual. The RFID tags simply allow us to identify when a Guest badge has arrived at and left the site, rather than to identify any particular person or their location.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that “RFID systems operate at frequencies and power levels that do not interact with pacemaker function” and that “there have been no reported cases of interaction between RFID systems and pacemakers.” 

Additionally, most pacemakers have built-in protection against any interference from RFID technology.

RFID technology is generally considered to be safe for use. RFID chips emit a low-frequency radio signal that is used to transmit data, and the power levels used are very low, making them safe for use in close proximity to humans. Indeed, RFID technology has been used in a variety of industries for many years, and there have been no reported cases of negative health effects from its use.

No, the RFID chip will only register when a cardboard Guest badge passes through one of the entrances to the enclosures and will not track a Guest’s movement around the site.

Members’ metal badges are not embedded with an RFID chip.

Yes, and in fact data protection law does not apply to this use of RFID technology at all, since, the RFID chip will not collect any personal information whatsoever, and it will be impossible to identify any particular individual from the information which is exchanged between the RFID tags and readers. Instead, the RFID chip will only trigger when a Guest badge passes through one of the entrances to the enclosures. There will be no tracking of a Guest’s movement around the site, and no collection or storage of information which identifies any person.