The security itself is relatively strong. The chip relies on elliptic curve cryptography that uses a mix of public and private keys to only reveal data to valid readers. You can’t just snoop on wireless traffic to determine which devices are involved and what’s being sent.

As is often the case, there’s more to be done before the scientists are happy. The chip has enough range to allow for a tag scanner up to two inches away, but MIT would prefer enough range that you could scan products simply by bringing them into a room. Ideally, they’d also run the chips on the terahertz signals rather than light.

The technology is already cheap and easy to make, though. If it can translate to real-world products, you could use it to tag small objects where conventional tags are either impractical or just won’t fit, whether it’s a phone component or a tooth implant. That, in turn, could make it easier to spot counterfeits and ensure that whatever you’re buying is completely authentic, right down to the littlest parts.