Emmanuel Ramirez
MCS 214
May 10, 2016
Professor Brucker-Cohen
Human Microchip Implant the Future of Society
In observing society over the pass decade one can say technological devices have shocked the world. Technological professionals have designed and developed what was once considered to be the impossible. Technological professionals have advanced society with the establishment of devices such as mobile devices, smart T.V.’s and even the Internet. The development of these technological advancements has altered the daily routines of society. Instead of technology being commodity it has become a necessity for many people. In this current day an age it’s very difficult for individuals to avoid digital technology. These technological developments have altered daily routines of society because individuals become to dependent on the object and it’s service. Technological developments have made everything easier. With one quick touch of a button on their mobile device one can control household objects, and even research needed information.
The question one may ask what’s next for society? What will be the new digital device or development that will revolutionize humanity? In analyzing the current state of technology one may consider mobile devices are taking over society due to the development of apps that entertain and assist with the everyday task of individuals. One thing that mobile devices fail to do is persistently store important information such as identification codes, credit card information, medical history or even health insurance. Looking forward I believe the next big technological advancement that will change society will be Microchip Human Implants. Microchip human implants are the size of grain of rice that is placed in one’s arm, wrist, or hand. Microchip implants contain information that is linked to an external database. Microchip implants provides service of sharing digital information.
According to John Brandon of Fox News his article “Is there a microchip implant in your future” he states “Using short-range radio frequency identification (RFID) signals, it can transmit your identity as you pass through a security checkpoint or walk into a football stadium. It can help you buy groceries at Wal-Mart. In a worst-case scenario – if you are kidnapped in a foreign country, for example – it could save your life.”(Brandon) The development of the microchip implant can alter society in a remarkable because it can make a difference in several situations. Microchip implants can be a life saving device in situations such as amber alerts or even a medical or fatal emergency. Brandon states that these microchips have been used farmers and pet owners to track their dogs, cats, sheep’s, pigs and horses. Brandon also mentions that radio frequency identification devices could activate gas pumps from a key ring. It can also be used as an anti- theft device for cars, open the door of an apartment, and track criminals on who wander into restricted areas.
The microchip implant can be a lifesaver and a convenience as it can be monitored through an app called N.F.C. Tools (Near Field Communications)
According to Near Field Communication they are a form of contactless communication between devices like smart phones or other compatible devices that send information without needing to touch the device. What Near Field Communications can do for society is a service that cannot be provided by many communications services they state on their company’s main webpage nearfieldcommuncation.org “The possibilities are limited only by the imaginations of those manufacturing this technology. NFC can replace barcodes with more intelligent NFC tags and allow smartphone users to interact with objects to find out information such as a bus schedule or learn more about a product they want to purchase. NFC technology is designed to increase convenience when learning, shopping, and sharing data.”(N.F.C.) With the association with Near Field Communication microchip implants will make it easier for individuals in their everyday routine. Near Field Communication plans to provide services and have established connection within shopping malls, office buildings, and even one’s own vehicle.
With the use of the application of N.F.C. Tools one can connect to compatible radio frequency identification device chips. One may wonder how will these services affect one’s everyday life? According to the Near Field Communication website they state several services that simplify humanities everyday life.
According to Anthony Cuthbertson’s International Business Times article “Man Implants Microchip In hand Ahead of IPhone 6 release” Cuthbertson conveys the story of Ben Slater an Australian advertising director who in the year 2014 injected a microchip into the webbing on his hand at a tattoo parlor in Melbourne. The chip Ben Slater also contained Near-Field Communication capabilities concluding his statement asserting the fact it can be used with any device that contain this technology. Since the injection of the chip Slater describes his practice of the microchip to open his front door, switch on the lights and store personal information. Slater inserted the microchip in to his hand in hopes to extend its capabilities with the advancements of mobile devices. Cuthbertson make it clear how much this NFC microchip could alter technological devices. Cuthbertson states “Apple CEO Tim Cook made a strong indication at the start of the year that the company would be including the technology in future devices.”(Cuthbertson) Cuthbertson describes that Cook was appealed to the mobile payment are which was one of the thoughts behind the IPhones touch ID.
With the support of N.F.C. microchip implants will allow individuals to unlock their car, and adjust their seats. One can gain access to their office building, clock in, and update you with schedules and delays. One can pay for their bus or train transportation and be updated with schedules and delays with the swipe of a hand. No more need for wallets and credit cards as the chip can store all your information. While at the store coupon reward information can be accessed and as you walk out payments can be made. Police could track cars and read data without having to scan license plates.
Where there’s a positive always comes a negative. In making life a lot more convenient damaging situations could also arouse by implanting the chip into ones skin. John Brandon of Fox states “Concerns about the wrong people accessing personal information and tracking you via the chip have swirled since the FDA approved the first implantable microchip in 2004.”(Brandon) If hackers manage to hack one’s microchip they can steal one’s identity and invade your privacy. Brandon also mentions that microchips would make it easier to find a kidnapped person however the most dangerous moments are during the rescue missions where kidnappers think police are closing in which can lead to a dead body. In also reading Kevin Warwick’s Vice article “The Pros and Cons of Inserting a Smart Microchip Into Your Own Body” Warwick depicts his reasoning for his disapproval of the microchip technology because of the privacy concerns that stimulate with the injection of the chip. He claims that he gives a huge amount of his personal data to his network data but has the privilege to turning it off opposed to having it injected somewhere in your arm. Warwick also compares the fact that individuals can upgrade their device in contrast of those injected it will a surgical procedure to replace the chip.
Even though there are many flaws in the idea of injecting a microchip under ones skin. I believe the advancement of the N.F.C. Tools app and the injection of a microchip device will one day be successful and a norm for society. In the near future microchip may be mandatory for newborn children. The ability to detect ones health will generate a lot of attention because deaths would be avoided. Citizens of older generations will not accept this form of technology but younger generations will accept such advancements due to the fact they want to stay up to date with digital devices. Since the establishment of technology the latest gadgets represented a hierarchy, a culture, and distinguished classes due to being involved with the latest technological developments. Remembering passwords will be a thing of the past. Electronics will be synced to your microchip. Since the microchip can scan one’s identification racial profiling will not a big issue among urban neighborhoods.
Works Cited
Cuthbertson, Anthony. “Man Implants Microchip in Hand Ahead of IPhone 6 Release.” International Business Times RSS. N.p., 08 Sept. 2014. Web. 13 May 2016. <http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/man-implants-microchip-hand-ahead-iphone-6-release-1464529>.
Brandon, John. “Is There a Microchip Implant in Your Future? | Fox News.”Fox News. FOX News Network, 30 Aug. 2014. Web. 13 May 2016. <http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2014/08/30/is-there-microchip-implant-in-your-future.html>.
Ways to Use Near Field Communication.” – NearFieldCommunication.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2016. <http://www.nearfieldcommunication.org/using-nfc.html>.
Warwick, Kevin. “The Pros and Cons of Inserting a Smart Microchip Into Your Own Body | VICE | United States.” VICE. N.p., 3 July 2013. Web. 13 May 2016. <https://www.vice.com/read/pros-and-cons-of-getting-a-microchip-283>.
