VeriChip

The VeriChip (product name: VeriMed ) was a passive RFID transponder, which is suitable for implantation in humans and animals. It was produced until 2010 by PositiveID.

Description

, The transponder is located in an approximately 12 mm long and 2 mm thick glass cylinder, which is typically implanted in humans above the Triceps under the skin of the right arm. Also common is the implantation into the skin fold between thumb and forefinger. The input and out surgery is done under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis and may be done easily. The chip is not visible to the naked eye from the outside. The chip can also outside the body, can be worn as part of watches or jewelry; so it is easy to store in case of need. Since the transponder is supplied with energy by induction, it does not require batteries. If the chip on the right frequency approached, it responds with a unique sixteen -digit number sequence, which can identify the carrier of the chip in a database. To access permissions example, can be queried or accessed medical or other documents used to person.

The VeriChip is the first RFID chip, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the implantation of human use. The FDA approval was granted in 2002.

By January 2006, 68 hospitals in the United States had signed contracts to use the new technology in their emergency rooms can. However, some of them have already abandoned their attempts due to lack of acceptance by patient and because of the possible invasion of privacy. The company estimates that approximately 2,000 people worldwide carry a VeriChip. Used for the first time on 10 February 2006, a surveillance company in Cincinnati VeriChips to control access to their data center.

Criticism

Health Concerns

The chip as an implant is suspected to provoke cancer. In laboratory animals (mice and rats), which the chip was implanted for study purposes, tumor tissue has formed around the chip. According to Dr. Katherine Albrecht is claimed by the manufacturer that could not necessarily be closed from experimental animals to humans.

Data Privacy

Invasion of privacy by the authorities: Privacy advocates have turned against the VeriChip and warned against any possible misuse of the " spy chips ". Authorities were able to monitor the movement of an individual against his will, as they already did, it with mobile phones and public surveillance cameras. With adequate distribution of implanted chips they could install this in public places readers. Under the pretext of fighting terrorism, the city of New York had other types of sensors already installed on their streets and subways, without that she had done this publicly. This objection can be partially countered that the chip is often not planted, but is only worn outside the body and can be stored in the case thus. However, the carrier during the performance of his duties, without that he wants to be monitored.

Identity Theft: The stored on the chip information can be easily read out and stolen. Personal information may be collected and used. However, the user type and content of the stored data is determined.

Accessible to everyone: The VeriChip RFID implant has proven to be unsafe. The stored in the chip string is unencrypted and can be read by anyone without permission or password. An implanted VeriChip was cloned in January 2006 for demonstration purposes. Instructions for cloning VeriChips are available on the internet.

Religious concerns

Many Christians take the view that it was in the RFID chip to the fulfillment of a prophecy from the Apocalypse of John, according to which any person is provided through the guided by the Antichrist government with a marking. ( Chapter 13, verses 16-18).

Different religions also oppose the violation of the human body by surgery, and therefore implants from. However, the external supporting the VeriChips would thus be compatible.