GPS Chips and Implants By: Evan Kelly

The Possibilities Verichip Corporation has multiple ideas and uses for human chip implants Patient Identification Infant Protection Wander Prevention Asset Tracking Access Control Equipment Management Vibration Management Emergency Management

The Technology Chips use Radio Frequency ID (RFID) to send out a specific signal. This signal can be read by a specific reader or anyone that knows the ID number of the wearer of the implant

Benefits Abductees, lost hikers, pets can be found easily Chips also include medical data for hospitals and emergency services Can be used by law enforcement for house arrest and probation

Downsides Right to privacy is in question, especially with the question of whether the government has a right to access the chip data The early model chips are incredibly easy to hack and clone using simple technology Many people believe that these chips were predicted by the Book of Revelations and mark the coming of the apocalypse. While GPS transmission is fairly simple nowadays, the idea of putting a GPS receiver in a single chip is still extremely difficult and may be a while off.

Privacy “They who can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” -Ben Franklin As of now, law allows for cell phone providers to give out their customers GPS data to third parties with the consent of the customer. Though the privacy act of 1974 allows for protection of individuals, the Freedom of Information Act creates a hazy line as to what exactly is private and what is public domain.

The Future While RFID technology is already in use and in the market, GPS technology has yet to become miniaturized enough to be used as implants cost effectively. As of now most GPS products, such as Digital Angel or Wherify Watch, are still external and visible.