US Passports and RFID

RFID or Radio Frequency ID, is where passports are fitted with a chip that could be picked up by a special radio reciever. These allow people to be checked, but at a distance, so officials dont need to approach people to check their credentials. This means that if someone is scanned and is suspected of terrorism, they wont be 'spooked' and flee and the authorities can be informed to lead to an arrest. 

They do come with their downfalls though:

• People could fake these passports, if they understand and have the needed technology,
• If the wrong person gets hold of the long range scanner, people's identity could be stolen.