Microchip implants raise privacy concern

TKDLady · 07-21-2007, 03:43 PM

By TODD LEWAN, AP National Writer Sat Jul 21, 12:19 PM ET

CityWatcher.com, a provider of surveillance equipment, attracted little notice itself — until a year ago, when two of its employees had glass-encapsulated microchips with miniature antennas embedded in their forearms.

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I can see the benefit but it is still scary. As long as we remain in control and are not forced I can accept this kind of. Still very scary in the wrong hands. Maybe even in the right hands.

Vautrin · 07-21-2007, 04:00 PM

It has its purposes. For instance with elderly that are slowly losing their mind - but are still able to travel. Sometimes you hear stories that they can't find someone, because that person left without notice.

But I am no fan of the technology. It will be abused.

TKDLady · 07-21-2007, 04:10 PM

That is what I am afraid of.

Vautrin · 07-21-2007, 04:13 PM

If something like that were to be introduced, it should be on voluntary basis, and for good reasons (other than coolness). And of course access to the signals should be restricted and accordingly legislated.

Then again, such legislation will be dubious to say the least.

Duke · 07-21-2007, 05:09 PM

Personally I think it's great and believe we should all have a microchip embedded either at the spine level or some other means where it can't be "hacked" out of the body.

I'm sure this would definitely help with our justice system because you can tell right away who the criminal is. The only thing I'd be concerned about is using it for anything other than a proximity beacon. I think it's an invasion of privacy to know what your doing but not where your doing it.

TKDLady · 07-21-2007, 05:17 PM

I like the medical aspects of it and of course, pegging the criminals. I just worry about the possibility of abuse.

Duke · 07-21-2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkdlady

I like the medical aspects of it and of course, pegging the criminals. I just worry about the possibility of abuse.

There's always that possibility which is why I think it should only be a transmitter buried deep in the body. All it should do is emit a traceable signal that only tells of location, not action specific.