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- This article deals with human microchip implants. For use in animals, see Microchip implant (animal).
A human microchip implant is an integrated circuit device, a RFID tag, encased in silicate glass and implanted into a human's body. Such implants are used for information storage, such as personal identification, medical history, medication allergies, contact information and currently under research, by ADS, credit card details. Verichip is the primary provider of the microchip implants and has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market its device in the United States. Prices for implantation of the chip range between $150-200 US and scanners for reading the chips will cost between $1,000 and $3,000 US.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Hospitals can gain access to medical history regardless of location by scanning one’s implant chip. The speed at which this information can be attained may be vital to one’s survival.
- In terms of consumer application, an implanted chip programmed with bank and credit card information would completely eradicate the need for PINs and passwords making everyday transactions virtually hassle-free.
- Implanted chips are impossible to lose which would significantly reduce the chances of information theft. (i.e., lost/stolen credit cards, passports, etc.)
- RFID Scanners can be integrated into new homes and cars, eliminating the need for keys and therefore reducing the likelihood of theft occurring.
- The microchip implants indicate a major leap forward in cyborg technology, creating a unique link to the inorganic entities that previously required physical interaction to function.
Disadvantages
- The chips do not incorporate any form of encryption which makes them extremely vulnerable to hacker attacks.
- Potential threat with respect to invasion of privacy by a bogus reader, and the signal cloned. Due to the lack of encryption, the chips can be exploited through cloning which could lead to the criminal misuse of medical files and health insurance information. (i.e., modification of a medical file concerning the allergies of the rightful user of the chip).
- Since the device uses radio waves as a means of interfacing scanners, there is a possibility that the data could be intercepted by a third party for consumer tracking purposes.
- According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), implantation of the chip posses many health concerns including: adverse tissue reaction; migration of implanted transponder; failure of implanted transponder; failure of insertion; failure of electronic scanner; electromagnetic interference; electrical hazards; and magnetic resonance imaging incompatibility.
- The incompatibility with MRI is the most serious concern because MRI machines use intense magnetic fields and pulsed radio frequency fields which could react adversely with the chips causing serious burns to patients.
- Potential threat to religious liberty
- Potential compromise to religious salvation
GPS function
If the implant were to be GPS-enabled, it would make it possible for individuals to be physically located by latitude, longitude, speed, and direction of movement. Contrary to popular belief, such a chip that would allow GPS tracking of individuals does not yet exist. Many news sources and websites have confused the issue implantable chip and wearable tracking devices.
Theoretically, such a tracking function could aid authorities in locating missing persons, fugitives, etc. The tracking function could also be used to identify criminals at the scene of a crime and as well as locating those who have fled the scene of the crime.
There are numerous problems with manufacturing such an implant, power consumption and antenna performance being the main ones.
Future Applications
- Mondex – MasterCard is currently researching the possibility of integrating an implant chip into its suite of smart card products which currently allow consumers to digitally exchange currency.
- In the United States, numerous hospitals have elected to use the implantable VeriMed Patient Identification System which would link patients to their corresponding medical records, expediting all medical processes.
- Kevin Warwick, professor of cybernetics at the University of Reading in England, has been experimenting with home application of microchip implants allowing him to control lights, open doors, control temperature, etc.
Ethical & Spiritual Issues
- The Bible talks about the "Mark of the Beast" in Revelations 13:16-18, to be placed on one's forehead or hand, and without them, you cannot buy or sell. One interpretation of these verses is that it may describe implant chips that could be used in a cashless society.
- Tracking devices and "credit chips" can be woven onto each piece of clothing, or even fitted into rings instead of inside bodies since Christians would be opposed to having a chip implanted anywhere on their bodies for the sake of their salvation.
- The rights of religious prisoners would also come into question, if a prisoner had concerns the implant were the mark of the beast. To minimize the costs of prison maintenance, some prisons might opt to make implants mandatory. Concerned prisoners might be permitted to abstain from receiving the implant.
- Inalienable human rights - We the people will not be chipped is a movement refusing the very idea of implanting chip on the basis of religious and/or ethical reasons.
References
- Haag, Stephen.... al.. Management Information Systems: For the information age. 2nd ed. (Toronto: McGraw-Hill Irwin. 2004.) ISBN 0072819472
- (2006). Implantable RFID chip decision draws criticism. Retrieved June 22, 2006, from www.DrugResearcher.com Web site: http://www.drugresearcher.com/news/news-ng.asp?n=55533-implantable-rfid-chip
- Byles, Ileiren (2006). Health-care chips could get under your skin. Retrieved June 19, 2006, from www.Physorg.com Web site: http://www.physorg.com/news69341086.html
External links
- http://www.wethepeoplewillnotbechipped.com We the People will Not be Chipped
"Microchip implant (human)"