--------
Companies Begin Planting Microchips Under
Employees' Skin
Monday, March 09, 2015 by: Daniel Barker
(NaturalNews) The technology has been around
for some years now, but the use of RFID (radio-frequency
identification) chips and other beneath-the-skin implants has only
recently become more widespread. A high-tech office
complex in Sweden is now offering tenants' staff the option of having
a small RFID chip implanted in one's wrist that allows certain
functions in the building to be performed with a wave of the hand,
such as opening doors and operating photocopiers.
Epicenter office block developers are in support of the
implanting program, which is being made available through a Swedish
bio-hacking group. The group promotes the use of bio-enhancement
technology and predicts a future in which sophisticated implant
systems will closely monitor a range of inputs from body sensors while
interacting with the "internet of things." In other
words, we will soon have the option of being physically connected to
the Internet as well as to an increasingly widespread network of smart
devices.
For many, the idea of having an implant containing personal
information inserted under the skin is not a welcome option. Not only
is there maybe something creepy about the whole idea to begin with,
but the fact is that a lot of us feel our privacy and autonomy has
been compromised enough already, without voluntarily becoming walking
transmitters of our personal data.
Some predict that one day it won't be a matter of choice, or that
the use of implants and other types of bio-enhancement and
connectivity will become so commonplace as to be expected, if not
required. The fear is that we will lose our freedom and privacy in the
process. Others welcome the prospect of becoming
physically connected to the internet of things, such as the
bio-hacking group responsible for the office block's RFID
program.
A BBC News feature profiled Hannes Sjoblad, a bio-hacker who
organizes "implant parties" where volunteers are
implanted: He is starting small, aiming to
get 100 volunteers signed up in the coming few months, with 50 people
already implanted. But his vision is much bigger.
Then will be a 1,000, then 10,000. I am convinced that this technology
is here to stay and we will think it nothing strange to have an
implant in their hand.
Although the RFID chips being used now are capable of little more
than opening doors and operating copiers, the potential is far
greater. RFID chips will likely evolve into ever-more sophisticated
devices, capable of a wide range of interactions.
Already companies are developing technologies that will go a step
beyond the already-familiar "wearable" gadgets -- examples
include a digital tattoo that can be stamped onto skin and can monitor
body functions.
It's certainly easy to imagine that within a few years there will
be dramatic advances regarding what this type of technology can do.
And since various types of bodily enhancement -- bionic limbs,
pacemakers and cosmetic surgery -- are already commonplace, it stands
to reason that many people will have few if any qualms about implants
and other bio-hacking tech.
On the other hand, the idea of a central authority having the
advantage of direct connections and access to an individual's physical
body with the potential of monitoring GPS position, heart rate,
perhaps even brain waves, is frightening to contemplate.
Most of us have embraced the revolutionary technological advances
of the past few decades. We're more connected than ever before, and
even if we don't all agree that this is necessarily a good thing, very
few of us would willingly give up our smartphones at this point.
But perhaps we should be extremely careful about making the leap
to cyborg status. Is this truly an inevitable and potentially useful
tech advancement or is it a step too far?
The time for debate is now, because the technology is already
entering the mainstream. And as with most technological
revolutions, once it has happened there is little hope of turning
back.
Sources: