Job Includes Microchip Implanted In Your Hand —Still Want To Work There?
A Swedish company is implanting microchips in workers hands to allow them to operate copiers, access security areas and even buy a snack with just a wave of their hand rather than using a secure card, password or key code.
Is Big Brother Come Home To Roost?
Epicenter, a hi-tech company in Stockholm, hopes that eventually all 700 employees will have the implanted chips.
The radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips themselves are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted under the skin between the thumb and forefinger.
They’re similar to chips that people use to find missing pets.
In addition to opening doors and buying snacks your employer will know where you're at while you're working as long as you are in the vicinity of a sensor.
The Down Side of Chip Implants
With a little hi-tech technology a bad actor could zap your chip at a public place and your chip info stolen.
I guess the next late night infomercial will be for zap proof gloves for those with hand implants similar to wallets that block RFID readers.
The Up-Side of Chip Implants
This could mean great freedom for those who are paralyzed or those who have lost hands. With a gesture all kinds of things can be accomplished.
Chips can be programed to recognize your phone to open car doors and start your car, change your thermostat, and turn lights on and off as well.
Some Final Thoughts
There have been several articles about other companies starting to use the chips. By some reports they can last up to ten years.
I have not found anyone who has asked what happens when you show an employee the door? I would think removing the chip might be a clue that your last check could be imminent.
Gives new meaning to the pain of being let go. “Here’s your final check and a Band-Aid.”
I’m not sure I’m comfortable with a foreign item being inserted in my body just to save the company a couple of bucks for lost or malfunctioning access cards.
Are you OK with this? If so, where does the amount of info on your chip end?