I have just started researching my latest feature, focusing on RFID in the retail space. The whole concept of RFID is quite exciting, the efficiency gains, from what I can see, will be tremendous if adoption picks up. There is a more sinister side to the technology though.
The human-implantable aspect to RFID really scares me. Instead of packages at the local Spar being tagged, you actually get a little chip inserted in your triceps. I am not sure if that exact muscle has any significance but, according to one of the companies responsible, VeriChip, this is the best place for insertion.
There are obviously some serious benefits to having an RFID chip in your body. In a medical emergency doctors could simply scan your chip to check your medical history – in these capitalist times the fact that they can get your medical aid number is probably more important.
This is all fine but when you look at the fact that this little chip has GPS capabilities then you start to wonder. The person controlling the information could have access to your medical records, bank details and location – a dangerous combination if you ask me.
At present there is no pressure to actually put one in your body, but with talk of using these chips in place of identity documents it is time to start worrying…has anyone seen Minority Report?
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