In 1989 Belamant patented his version of smart card technology in South Africa and later Europe, the U.S. and other African countries.

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It allows mass market development of an open, trusted application environment and is complementary to the existing secure elements offered on the basis of smart card technology.

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Keen to avoid cumbersome, fraud-prone checks and cash, China meanwhile is leaping into smart technology with its Golden Card project.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek

Sensor data is stored on the device for a fixed period of time, and accumulated data can be transferred using a special application and FeliCa technology, a popular smart card system in Japan.

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Card proponents argue that like any technology, smart cards can be used for good or ill, and society could pass laws enhancing security and preventing abuse.

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek