Are Electronic Passports A Good Idea?

Although electronic passports have not been given out yet, there is controversy as to whether or not these "microchip-equipped" passports will protect people from identity theives. Standards have been made for these electronic passports, however some basic privacy security has been left out. New laws ensure that each chip has the person's birthday, name, picture, and the issuing office. Standards have been suggested for more protection towards identity theft, however these standards are only optional. Even with this there is still questionable ways for identity thieves to gain information. For more information, see http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1731232,00.asp.