Implanting Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chips in Humans

Implanting Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Chips in Humans

New York Times Anna Bahney, wrote the article “High Tech, Under the Skin.” In her article she mainly argues that radio frequency identification device (RFID) implants in humans would be a good idea. However, electrical hazards, MRI incompatibility, adverse tissue reaction, and migration of the implanted transponder are just a few of the potential risks. In the article Anna talks about potential uses for the RFID chips, the Florida based company implanting in humans since 2004 and the symbolism of combining man with technology.

The article attempts to persuade the reader into believing that receiving an implant is not much different than using a wireless headset on your cellular telephone, “the difference between a device resting in one's ear and inside the body is a pretty small step.” The quote is from a William Donelson and was used to persuade the audience into believing that small scale surgery is no big deal. However, the man quoted is “a 21-year-old computer networking student so enthralled with the link between technology and the body that he has tattoos of data-input jacks running down his spine.” However, not many doctors will assist or have their patients “sign forms acknowledging that long-term studies have not been done on their safety” (Bahney).

The author seems to overlook the potential risks of these surgical implants in her article. The research collected thus far, as it is still a relatively new technology, has shown that the implant can move around inside the body once it has been implanted. The younger a person is when receiving the implant, the more likely it is to migrate. This new research sparks questions such as, is it a sound decision to implant a tracking device in your ...