posted on May, 13 2008 @ 02:11 PM
I found this through a technology blog I subscribe to. Given that it's from Japan and already in use to some extent I thought it necessary to raise
attention to it through the ATS community.
The PASMO card is an RFID technology introduced in Japan to pay for trains, which remain the primary mode of transportation in the country. To put the
technology to good use, Tokyu Security is rolling out a range of services, which happen to be quite viable since the PASMO card is widely-used. Home
access is now included among the list of services, while a number of others are geared towards school children.
Aside from the possibility of paying cafeteria lunch using the PASMO card, it can also serve as a child tracking service. Since the Japanese working
force is characterized by salarymen and office ladies, people who've little time for their brood, the Tokyu Security can notify parents via web or
mobile every time their children use their PASMO cards to log-in at school, access their homes, or ride the train. Of course, issues regarding privacy
arise, especially for adults using the same technology (bosses can check one's activities, rendering one's laundry list of excuses when late all but
useless). This seems to only be the beginning though--the list of services for the PASMO card will only grow in time.