We are now in the age of nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular level. One of the by products of this technology is the ability to track human activity through the use of implanted computer chips. A computer chip consists of a very small piece of silicon in which is embedded electronic circuitry. Another name for a computer chip is integrated circuit (IC).
History
ICs have come a long way from being first developed in the 1950s. For example, they are now used in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which employs radio waves to identify and track items, animals and humans. RFID has its origins in the Second World War where radar was used to alert armed forces to aircraft approaching from miles away. The Germans observed that the radio signal from their aircraft changed if pilots rolled their planes as they were coming in. This was essentially the genesis of RFID technology.
Purpose
The main purpose of RFID technology is the tracking and locating of people, animals and things. It is currently being used on money, library books, pets, cattle and some humans. The means exist for it to be used in areas of law enforcement, banking, education, retail and medicine. For example, there is an implantable RFID chip for patient identification and health purposes. Researchers have also developed a way of using it to replace bar codes on groceries, for the purpose of expediting the check-out process. The recovery of lost or kidnapped children is another application for this technology.
Function
An RFID system, consisting of a transponder and a reader, is typically connected to a computer database. A transponder is a piece of radar equipment that uses radio waves to find the position of objects and watch their movement. Put simply, a signal is read from an intended target or object, and it then shows up on a computer screen where it can be followed and documented. RFID technology has evolved to the point where a small computer chip can be implanted under the skin, so the activity of the intended target can be followed. Most RFID tags contain at least two parts. One is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. The second is an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal.There are generally three types of RFID tags: active RFID tags, which contain a battery and can transmit signals autonomously, passive RFID tags, which have no battery and require an external source to provoke signal transmission, and battery assisted passive (BAP) RFID tags, which require an external source to wake up but have significant higher forward link capability providing greater range.
Theories/Speculation
There are, of course, issues of privacy regarding this technology. Although it is very convenient in many respects, there is the potential for governments and corporations to misuse it for the purpose of dominating, controlling or suppressing populations of people. George Orwell's book "1984" is sometimes used as an example of what could happen if surveillance technology wound up in the hands of a fascist government. There are other scenarios which are equally disturbing, so it is best for citizens to always be aware of what the implications are of any type of new technology.
Future Use
VeriChip, makers of the RFID chip for patient identification mentioned above, is continuing to do research in this area. They are currently extending their research to bio-sensing applications, which are expected to be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
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