What do you think about computer chips under the skin?

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by Phaneuf3

so? the thing fails because of malfunction or where you are and.... you're stuck using the methods we have now... its not like you're any worse off for having the chip.

Sure, if you are willing to ignore all the other concerns already raised.

Originally Posted by Phaneuf3

but there's also a TON that everyone will (relatively) happily agree on... http, ftp, tcp/ip, dns, etc, etc.

and even if there are two standards for europe and NA, building a reader that could handle both wouldn't be the end of the world. an example of something like this would be cell phones that are compatible with both standards or the switchover from IPv4 to IPv6. or simply relying on it for 99.99% of the chips that you'll see in your area and the rest you'll have have to deal with the old fashioned way...

rejecting this idea on the basis that sometimes the system might fail and we'll be forced to do what we do right now is a pretty bad way to go about assesing the situation IMO.

Those standards were (generally)developed by one group who maintains control over the entire structure. Even then, you get issues with page rendering (IE6/FF/IE7/Opera, and so on) issues with proprietary plug-ins (quick/real/shockwave/flash/Active-x), ASP/PHP, and so on. And in a roll-out like this there will be hundreds of companies wanting to be a player.
It will NEVER be universal.

That is why a number that related to a database entry of your stuff will probably never work. It will be totally impractical. You think the gun registry was a boon-doggle? Try implementing something like this system.

[Phaneuf3]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Sure, if you are willing to ignore all the other concerns already raised.

i disagree with implementing the system as well. i just disagree about some of the grounds that justify not trying it at this point.

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

That is why a number that related to a database entry of your stuff will probably never work. It will be totally impractical. You think the gun registry was a boon-doggle? Try implementing something like this system.

agreed. this sysem would have major trouble being implemented IMO. but not from a technology/standards point of view but more from a public resistance to wanting to have an id chip implanted in your hand.

[Winsor_Pilates]

I wouldn't want one. The difference for me from things like credit cards, bank cards etc. is that I can walk away from those, leave them at home, cancel them etc.

A chip under the skin is unescapable, and if it gets used for the wrong reasons, you're hooped.

[Phaneuf3]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

A chip under the skin is unescapable, and if it gets used for the wrong reasons, you're hooped.

its not like its being implanted in your brain. the webbing between your fingers or back of your hand wouldn't be too tough to dig something like this out of. an exacto knife and a steady hand is all you'd need. i mean, there isn't really many nerve endings there even. you wouldn't need THAT much of a pain tolerance even.

ever had a tattoo or a piercing? know someone that has? that'd be about the level of pain i'd expect to get that outta there.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Phaneuf3

its not like its being implanted in your brain. the webbing between your fingers or back of your hand wouldn't be too tough to dig something like this out of. an exacto knife and a steady hand is all you'd need. i mean, there isn't really many nerve endings there even. you wouldn't need THAT much of a pain tolerance even.

ever had a tattoo or a piercing? know someone that has? that'd be about the level of pain i'd expect to get that outta there.

It's not the pain I'm worried about and yes, I've had piercings.

It's the 24/7 tracking nature of the chip that bothers me. I'm probably being paranoid, but I just don't want to be trackable at all times.

And if something did happen, that made me want to take the chip out, it would probably be too late by that point. Whoever wanted to track me, already would have.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

Alright so here's the story. My family and I went out for dinner, and the topic of emergency wristbands came up (don't ask). I'm pretty sure you'll all know what I'm talking about. Emergency wristbands, or those Medi-bracelets that you can wear around your wrist, indicate to a paramedic or medical official something about you that they need to be aware of- such as an allergy, history of heart problems, diabetes, whatever.

Somebody mentioned the idea that you should be able to get computer chips implanted under the skin, that can be scanned, that will come up on a computer instead of having to wear a wristband. This way people who forget their medi-bracelet will always have it with them, and doctors, nurses and paramedics will always be able to diagnose more accurately.

I then stated that this didn't seem like the best idea, because it provides government agencies with the ability to just monitor everything about you- and that this kind of tagging ability is a slippery slope with the potential to be abused.

That argument was countered with the fact that we are already monitored so much as it is, so what's the difference? Credit cards, debit cards, purchases, taxes, laws, rules, everything is monitored and if the government wanted to know they would be able to know. Whats the difference if its a chip in your body?

At that time I couldn't think any good comebacks... and told them I'd get back to them (that's where Calgarypuck comes in hopefully). I just have this weird feeling that chips under the skin are a really bad idea and will lead to bad things. Am I right? Wrong? Discuss.

Being worried about a chip under the skin is paranoia. If you keep a credit card or your personal information or a cell phone on your body, well, you're already being tracked.

Furthermore, something like a medicare chip would only have a radio frequency id tag that would show what medical problems somebody has. It's not like putting a GPS transmitter in your skull.

But you have a point. The problem here is the area of privacy. If you have a chip in your body that is capable of transmitting personal medical information via radio (think Esso Speedpass which is essentially what we are talking about in terms of a chip in your skin), somebody could come along and surrepticiously scan you and see what medical problems you have...maybe like a potential employer to disadvantage or discriminate against you.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Phaneuf3

its not like its being implanted in your brain. the webbing between your fingers or back of your hand wouldn't be too tough to dig something like this out of. an exacto knife and a steady hand is all you'd need. i mean, there isn't really many nerve endings there even. you wouldn't need THAT much of a pain tolerance even.

ever had a tattoo or a piercing? know someone that has? that'd be about the level of pain i'd expect to get that outta there.

Chances are that if you are cutting it out of your own hand, you are doing so illegally. Which means that it is government mandated, which is what people have the problem with.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Furthermore, something like a medicare chip would only have a radio frequency id tag that would show what medical problems somebody has. It's not like putting a GPS transmitter in your skull.

RFID tags do have tracking capabilities now and they technology around them is growing really fast. The tags used for this medical device likely would be trackable.

[Azure]

I have no problem with it being used for medical reasons, and would even advocate it, especially for people with a known condition.

But I would never accept it for identity reasons.