Comment features (Score 1) 300
First, no I haven't read the article, but I've been following these passport chips for a while now. First, the chips are encrypted and locked. That solves a lot of problems right there. Second and most importantly, they are somehow "covered" and un-scanable while the passport is physically closed. The passport needs to be open in order for the chip to be scanned. This alleviates the problem of "walkby" scannings and people taking advantage of American tourists. I think they have thought this through more than people think, and I doubt if there is as big a need to be worried about them as many people would want you to believe.
2cents,
--Jon