The output to the antenna of an RFID tag or label is disconnected from the balance of the RFID chip by means of a series switch activated in response to a logic command, CLOAK, generated by the RFID chip. Activation of the switch disconnects the output to the antenna of the RFID tag without disconnecting its input. The output to the antenna is thus disconnected for a time sufficient to allow the remaining RFID tags in an RF interrogation field to be identified. However, the input of the antenna remains connected and is capable of receiving at any time, including during the cloaking period commands which can lift the tag out of cloaking and allow it to then selectively output its signal.