ICC principles for responsible deployment and operation of electronic product codes

It is regarded as a likely successor to barcode inventory tracking systems. The technology enables businesses to manage logistical operati ons more efficiently, benefits individuals by increasing safety in the food and prescription drug supplies, and increases convenience and product availability at retail. At the same time, business recognizes that attaining these potential benefits is likely to involve significant amounts of data exchanged between EPC readers and related systems. The systems and readers don't track personally identifiable information, but personally identifiable information may be associated with such information in certain retail situations. Because of the potential for personal information to be associated with EPC data at the point of sale, privacy concerns have been raised with respect to EPC systems. Business acknowledges the validity of such concerns, and is committed to complying with applicable laws and frameworks while deploying and operating EPC systems responsibly so that individuals can enjoy the benefits of this technology. Balancing the values of individual privacy with the drive for an open and competitive economy is not about achieving a fixed and timeless legal solution. It is an ongoing process that needs to be responsive to new technology to enable users to gain the potential benefits of the technology, and to enable business to benefit from more efficient methods and new opportunities. ICC, as the world's business organization, has adopted these principles on responsible deployment and operation of EPC Systems to ensure that business practices which impact individuals are responsible and consistent with legal requirements, well-established best practices and business ethics.