Do you want to be chipped?

[Sock Full of Boiled Dimes]

Recently I was reading a CAD article and something interesting was brought up.

As you know animals can be chipped and if lost can be scanned and all the information of the owner can be brought up. Has anyone ever thought of putting this in human beings.

Yes.

Before I talk about that let me talk about how good this sounds. Imagine you carrying a small chip under your skin that carries all of your personal information. We all know how much information we have to carry with us. Drivers License, Social Security Card, Medical Insurance Card, Personal Contact, etc. We have to carry all of that and god knows that a lot of people have absent minds.

Think about it, if someone was in a car wreck an EMT could scan a person's chip and get their blood type in an instant. If a person wanted to buy alcohol they could swip that chip and there is proof that they are of age to buy it.No more fake ID's. In fact children could be chipped at an early age and when it comes to drive they could just get an update on their chip that says they can legally drive. All that information can be put in one tiny chip.

Not only that but it can track criminals, drug dealers, and other people who don't want this implimated. Buying drugs would be so much harder. We could find children easier if they were kidnapped. Heck, even the threat of terrorism could be brought down and everyones collective minds brought to ease.

We have the technology already.

So why don't we do it? Well there is a corperation who does want to do it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verichip

Look up information on them. Ask yourself this. Do you want to be chipped?

[Radiance]

I can see why people wouldn't want to be "chipped" because they don't want to feel like they're being tracked. However, regardless of if you get an implant or not, soon you will be tracked regardless. Large corperations such as Target and Walmart are moving away from standard store operation. Soon all items will have chips imbedded in them and you will walk in, grab what you want, walk out the door and be billed in the process. All without seeing a cash register or a cashier. A police officer or security guard will hand you your receipt. "Thank you for shopping with us Mr(s). Smith. Please come again."

They will cut their staff by about 30-40%, people will lose jobs, but productivity will soar. Transmitter based tracking will ensure they have everything fully stocked in the store at all times. Inventory and ordering will move to a fully automated system instead of the auto assisted system they currently use.

So... would I want to be chipped? Sure. Through Verichip? maybe not.

[Bruce86]

Its an interesting thought. It has its good points. One being; having a autistic cousin who can barely communicates his needs. We fear if one day he wanders off. My mom acttually brought up the idea of a imbedded chip as you can get him to barely wear his shoes. So an ID card or some form of identification is a impossiblity.

[blank slate]

No thanks. I rather have the inconvenience of having to carry extra stuff than knowing I can be tracked 24/7.

[El_CJ]

I would not mind being tracked 24/7 at all. Just as long as there's no possibility of the chip causing cancer, or leaking its silicon... juices... and creating a painful lump. As well, it can't be overloaded by a hacker with a WiFi laptop, and make my brain essplode.

[Kwiz]

Personally? I don't want to have emergency medical techs thumbing around with my files if I'm dying. Making the obvious assumption that this service would be optional, sure, load all my medical files onto my person - encrypted so that only the right people can have access to them.

[drdan]

There are obvious security risks involved. You know and I know that in no time at all some genious criminal will come up with a way to hack into the chips in our arms, take our personal information without us ever knowing. Then he/she will somehow install that info he stole from you into his own freakin arm chip and pretend to be you. I like to have some control in my life, this is just another way for others to control it for me and I don't like that. Oh ya, I just thought of something else. Instead of a genious criminal you could get some idiot who could go kill someone, take their chip and switch with his. Anyways I think you guys get the idea.

[haterllnation]

Yeh, I agree with drdan. There is never a fail safe way to do anything. It reminds me of Demolition Man. Remember, for those who have seen it, Mr. Snipes needed to get into a door he could not access without an eye scan. Well, what did he do? He took the dude's eye from his socket and scanned it. Okay, I would rather him take my ID and chop me than the previous. It might be okay with tracking those with disabilities and/or criminals. I am all for it, but for those who can very well carry their own ID, I am against.

I can see a scenario where it just won't upload your information and they go you aren't Mr(s). Smith. Next thing you know, you are in holding because of a technological failure/hack. How about medical records, eh? What happens if, yet again, there is no scan? If they have no backup, you sir/madam are royally screwed. Also, you'd just be a pawn for anyone who could gain access. No, thanks.

Just as long as there's no possibility of the chip causing cancer, or leaking its silicon... juices... and creating a painful lump. As well, it can't be overloaded by a hacker with a WiFi laptop, and make my brain [sic]essplode.

Haha, all the more reason to avoid.

[Tibs]

Why be chipped when you can not have things placed under your skin?

[Xuande]

The potential for abuse even among the civilian population would be huge. An identity thief could just walk around discreetly scanning people and taking out credit cards in their names.

[Kwiz]

The potential for abuse even among the civilian population would be huge. An identity thief could just walk around discreetly scanning people and taking out credit cards in their names.

This is entirely possible to do, but why would you carry this information around in such an accessible medium? If all you have on the chip is known allergies and what your blood type is, what's the downside to that?

[fa11en87]

Medical insurance companies would definitely take advantage of the info.

[Random]

I'd go for it.
Sure, you might worry about someone stealing your identification, but there are a couple of things to consider.
First, you've gotta remember that you don't use the chip as the be-all and end-all of identification. Combine it with something else!
As an example, your computer's user account would be far more secure if you needed your password AND your chip to log in.
Also, these chips do not have vast amounts of memory! (well, usually).
When implanting animals, and in most cases humans, the chip simply stores a single ID number. This number, when accessed by paramedics or whoever, is then input into an entirely different database, which is where your records etc are actually stored.
They are not usually stored in the chip itself, and as such all a criminal gets is your ID number.
It's possible for him to then fake being you, but all that gets him is invalid medical info - which could prove fatal (imagine having your blood type listed as A when you were B+ - you'd wish you didn't clone someone else's chip then) although most of the time your data is stored with an image, which means there's visual identification as well.

In other words, so long as you don't rely purely on such a thing, it can be useful - but if you want to rely on it alone, then it can be dangerous.

[fa11en87]

Well, that's a good idea! Maybe the rest of us watched too many movies. Haha!

[Random]

Heh, at the same time anyone could clone your chip's response, use it to access buildings, pretend to be you, wipe data stored on the chip, rack up incredible costs to your credit card, or commit a crime as you.
Easily.

I'm just saying the chips can be useful, depends how you use them ;P

[Mechs]

I don't like the idea one bit. I don't like having things in me that aren't supposed to be there.

[Xuande]

This is entirely possible to do, but why would you carry this information around in such an accessible medium? If all you have on the chip is known allergies and what your blood type is, what's the downside to that?

I was assuming that's the sort of information that would be on the chips if people were going to be able to use them to buy things.

[Kwiz]

I was assuming that's the sort of information that would be on the chips if people were going to be able to use them to buy things.

That walk-by checkout system that number17 described is just a concept at the moment. And even if such a system were to be set up, the word of the day is minimalism: by making a customer account with the store, you'd only need to have some sort of a password or account number - no need to put a whole damned credit card number on your chip.

[Shishio]

I have no desire to be chipped whatsoever.

[Anders]

Why not tattoos? We could tattoo barcodes on everyone, or just numbers on say.. their forearms.

[RotoruaBoy]

Why not tattoos? We could tattoo barcodes on everyone, or just numbers on say.. their forearms.
skin discoloration can affect the barcode, injuries like burns and abrasions can remove the piece of skin with the barcode on, and anyone can print off some barcodes off their printer on the temperary tattoo papers.

[ruaidhri]

I believe Anders’ intent was to be sarcastic. His reference to tattoos on the forearm is reminiscent of what the Nazi did to inmates of their concentration camps.

If there is one way for big brother government to control everything it’s to identify everywhere you go, everything you purchase and every recorded fact about your person. I don’t believe that’s a good idea.

[Anders]

:eyepop: I am stunned.

Perhaps this may help...

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/tattoos1.html

What gets me about this whole ID chip thing is why people are so eager to throw away what millions of brave citizens gave their lives to protect.

[Kass]

*snicker* I wish I could say people weren't already putting barcodes on themselves. Unfortunately, some people are always more than willing to put their stupidity on display.

Some mature topics, but no inappropriate images. The Slave Register (http://www.slaveregister.com/about/numbers)

[smokingmonkee]

That is horrible. Nobody is property!!!

As for the chips, I'm not a big fan of it.

[setrict]

The only chips I want in me are the kind that go good with Salsa. After running a business for many years and dealing with the CC processing companies I've even stopped using my credit/debit cards for all but online purchases. I don't like the idea that my purchases can be tracked, and I don't like the idea of the hidden CC fees (by contract I wasn't allowed to inform the consumer that using their amex was effectively adding 2.25% to the price) that help the banking industry achieve better profits than the oil industry everyone is always bitching about.

We have been giving huge amounts of control away over the last few decades, and I'm not about to give up more unless I'm forced. I'll grant that most of it hasn't been abused yet, but the potential for abuse should scare the heck out of most people.

[RotoruaBoy]

I believe Anders’ intent was to be sarcastic. His reference to tattoos on the forearm is reminiscent of what the Nazi did to inmates of their concentration camps.

If there is one way for big brother government to control everything it’s to identify everywhere you go, everything you purchase and every recorded fact about your person. I don’t believe that’s a good idea.
pfff, thought he was refering to 47 the assassin with barcode tattooed on the back of his neck

[Kass]

Psstt... These women ASK to be in that position. It isn't like they are kidnapped and held down while some brute tattoos a barcode on their arm. they beg for it. *shrug* If it works for them.

I asked to be a submissive, but my guy and I don't take it that far. We still live in the real world too.

[Kwiz]

I'd just like to throw out this question to everyone: if the implanted chip were to carry just your most essential medical information and be access code protected to only be readable by a hospital's emergency room staff, would you object to it?

[Jetsetlemming]

I'd just like to throw out this question to everyone: if the implanted chip were to carry just your most essential medical information and be access code protected to only be readable by a hospital's emergency room staff, would you object to it?
Where the hell would they put it in your body? Either it's close to the surface, and can easily be ripped off in an accident by your injuries, or too deep to be able to scan without it broadcasting from inside you, which has it's own set of complications, like power supply, possible damage to your body from the signal, personal "awareness" of the signal (I could imagine a faint humming constantly coming from my torso being excruciating to listen to 24/7), anyone with the capability to pick up those signals stealing your info, multiple people in one area (bus accident, plane crash, terrorism) having their signals interfere with one another, etc, etc. I'd rather just have a plastic photo ID with a chip in THAT. Then, at least, if the medics don't find it on me, it's only a large plastic card away from being found, scanned, and the paramedics knowning my blood type and allergies and possibly current medications.

[RotoruaBoy]

I'd just like to throw out this question to everyone: if the implanted chip were to carry just your most essential medical information and be access code protected to only be readable by a hospital's emergency room staff, would you object to it?
I still prefer the fingerprint system many countries are implenmenting right now.

then again, if i happen to loose all my fingers and toes by some freak accident, thats just my luck.

[Kwiz]

Where the hell would they put it in your body? Either it's close to the surface, and can easily be ripped off in an accident by your injuries, or too deep to be able to scan without it broadcasting from inside you, which has it's own set of complications, like power supply, possible damage to your body from the signal, personal "awareness" of the signal (I could imagine a faint humming constantly coming from my torso being excruciating to listen to 24/7), anyone with the capability to pick up those signals stealing your info, multiple people in one area (bus accident, plane crash, terrorism) having their signals interfere with one another, etc, etc. I'd rather just have a plastic photo ID with a chip in THAT. Then, at least, if the medics don't find it on me, it's only a large plastic card away from being found, scanned, and the paramedics knowning my blood type and allergies and possibly current medications.

About twice the size of a grain of rice, the device is typically implanted above the triceps area of an individual’s right arm ...

So your right arm would have to be separated from the rest of you by the shoulder for the chip to be inaccessible.

[Nightowl]

Im pretty sure most of us in the mordern world are being tracked maybe not in detail but in general . forms of tracking being used right now .

Census info
Soical security cards
Driver licsense
Shopper discount cards
Credit cards
Drop a card pots at applebees and other restraunts
Anything that has your name or address attached
US mail service
Warranties
UPS FEDEX
phone bills (its fun to look at caller history or late bill payers ) i worked for att collections .
cable bills
google searches (any search engine )
IP address
its endless


The idea of someone watching you isnt new or even threating . Who really cares that you like reruns of the Ateam and Drink 4 case of soda a week and like red hot pants . What is scary is someone that really thinks that there not being tracked . Look in that wallet and think of where all the info that is attached to you is really going .

[Jetsetlemming]

So your right arm would have to be separated from the rest of you by the shoulder for the chip to be inaccessible.
it can happen. Anyway, how does the info get from the chip to the paramedic? Does it at all broadcast a signal?

[Agent Vesago]

I'm much too paranoid to allow someone to place a chip in me.

[Kwiz]

it can happen. Anyway, how does the info get from the chip to the paramedic? Does it at all broadcast a signal?

Presumably the paramedic would be carrying an electromagnetic reader to ping the implant. The chip itself is so simple that I doubt it could put out a signal all on its own.

[Urban~Ninja]

Im for the idea of Chips for humans, i think it would make everyone a hell of alot more law abiding and a hell of alot safer.

Im sure that some will say it will invade privacy and make people more paranoid but it would make i think the quality of life for some alot better and safer.

[haterllnation]

1984 has to start somewhere...

[Psychochink]

Hell yes, chip me. For medical reasons if no other. I don't know about everybody else, but I can't remember my blood type of the top of my head, let alone all the other detailed information that it would be good for an emergency room doctor to know (which would require me to be concious to give, anyway).

The 'Nazi' argument is fundamentally flawed. Millions of people did not die to prevent a convenient people-tracking system. Millions of people died to prevent the kinds of things that were being done with that system.

As with everything else, it all comes down to how something is used. A pistol in the hands of a hardcore Crip and a pistol in the hands of an FBI agent have two very different implications.

[Yes, I am aware that my analogy is also fundamentally flawed, using as it does an object made for the sole purpose of ending human life. However, you get the point. Substitute a crowbar for the pistol and a mechanic for the FBI agent if you like.]

At the end of the day, all we're talking about is information and ease of access to that information. The practical applications are endless and those we can judge - but judging the technology itself is largely pointless.

[Anders]

Im pretty sure most of us in the mordern world are being tracked maybe not in detail but in general . forms of tracking being used right now .

Census info
Soical security cards
Driver licsense
Shopper discount cards
Credit cards
Drop a card pots at applebees and other restraunts
Anything that has your name or address attached
US mail service
Warranties
UPS FEDEX
phone bills (its fun to look at caller history or late bill payers ) i worked for att collections .
cable bills
google searches (any search engine )
IP address
its endless


The idea of someone watching you isnt new or even threating . Who really cares that you like reruns of the Ateam and Drink 4 case of soda a week and like red hot pants . What is scary is someone that really thinks that there not being tracked . Look in that wallet and think of where all the info that is attached to you is really going .


I don't like to single out a single post like this, but I've heard these points before, and I'd like to address some of those points.

Aside from the census information and SS, all of the other points have one thing in common. Choice. I can aquire software to conceal my IP address or I can go to a library or campus and use a computer there instead of using my own. Google searches- same story, or I can choose to not use google. Cable bills- I don't have to get cable. Besides, there isn't a breakdown of what shows I've watched and the times on the statements. Collections agencies, bills, credit cards... you have a choice. You can sign up for the services or you can decline. When you do, you sign a contract that allows the managing company to track your activity when using their services. If you don't pay your bills, the contract authorizes the collections agency to send Bruno to your home to persuade you to pay up. Most companies that require personal information from you also have privacy policies, if they break that policy, you would be able to sue for considerable sums.

That was really drawn out, but my point is, you have choices. I will never consider implanting myself with any sort of microchip ID. If something like this becomes legal and common practice, will I have a choice? Can I say "go fuck yourself, I don't want it"? Maybe at first it won't be mandatory, but how long would that last once we've opened the door?

[seiji]

Hell yes, chip me. For medical reasons if no other. I don't know about everybody else, but I can't remember my blood type of the top of my head, let alone all the other detailed information that it would be good for an emergency room doctor to know (which would require me to be concious to give, anyway).
Not even my parents know my blood type. I recall hearing they can actually test it quite quickly in an emergency, though I could be completely mistaken.

I'm allergic to animals and dust, not foods or drugs or anything that might conceivably be used on me by a paramedic. The only prescription drug I take is Zyrtec, and I almost never bother to take it unless I'm walking through clouds of pollen or spending the night in a house full of cats.

If I were diabetic or HIV positive I'd go for it, but unless the emergency room staff absolutely must know the date of my last measels shot, I don't see any real need for me to have my medical records implanted in my arm.