Can implanted RFID chips replace ID cards?
Over the past few months stories have been circulating in the USA that by the end of this year every American will be identified by a RFID (radio-frequency identification) implant – a small chip and an antenna that is planted under the skin in the space between the thumb and index finger. These chips can typically carry up to 2000 bytes of data. The story was first carried on NBC but soon went viral. As we live in a world where fake news is fashionable, the statement most likely falls in that category. However to implant a RFID chip in humans is today practically possible. Last year students working in one of the development laboratories at Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein experimented with the idea and planted RFID chips in each other’s hands.
Over the past few months stories have been circulating in the USA that by the end of this year every American will be identified by a RFID (radio-frequency identification) implant – a small chip and an antenna that is planted under the skin in the space between the thumb and index finger. These chips can typically carry up to 2000 bytes of data. The story was first carried on NBC but soon went viral. As we live in a world where fake news is fashionable, the statement most likely falls in that category. However to implant a RFID chip in humans is today practically possible. Last year students working in one of the development laboratories at Tshimologong Precinct in Braamfontein experimented with the idea and planted RFID chips in each other’s hands.
