An optical article configured to transform from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality is provided. The optical article includes an optical data layer for storing data, wherein the data is read from the optical data layer in an activated state of functionality, and a material capable of undergoing a morphological transformation being disposed on the optical data layer and adapted to irreversibly alter from a first morphology to a second morphology upon interaction with the external stimulus to alter the state of functionality of the optical article from a pre-activated state to the activated state.