Electronic Chips Implanted Under The Skin Of Employees

This is not about science fiction but about reality. Electronic chips are installed on some employees in several countries. What are they for ? What are the opinions regarding this practice?

Electronic Chips Installed On Employees: In Which Countries?

Belgium

In 2017, the Belgian company Newfusion , located in Mechelen, had an RFID electronic chip, worth around 100 euros, inserted under the skin of eight of its volunteer employees.It is the size of a grain of rice and is between the thumb and forefinger. Employees are more enthusiastic than worried about the use of this process.

United States

Since 1 st August 2017, voluntary employees of the US firm Three Square located at Rivers Falls, Wisconsin, may be implanting a small electronic chip between thumb and forefinger. When this experience was offered, the majority of employees responded favorably (50 out of 80 employees). This RFID implant, was manufactured by the Swedish company Biohax costs 255 euros and approved by the US regulatory agency Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Sweden

According to the state, nearly 2,000 people live with a subcutaneous flea in Sweden . It is the most advanced country in the world in this field. In 2015, 450 employees of Epicenter (out of a total workforce of 700) volunteered to have an RFID chip implanted.

Purpose Of Chip Implantation

The purpose of implanting the chips is similar for each of the countries mentioned. The implant allows employees to identify themselves in order to enter the company (and therefore replace badges), unlock their computer or photocopier and pay for their meals in the canteen, with a simple movement of the hand. Namely that this chip can be withdrawn, if the employee leaves the company for example.

Fears And Risks Related To Electronic Chips

In France, as in other countries, the concerns are the same. In France, the National Commission for Informatics and Liberties (CNIL) has reservations about the use of RFID technology. On September 26, 2013, the administrative authority indicated that it was disproportionate to its usefulness. In addition, this technology raises new issues and entails risks concerning the protection of personal data, privacy (health, location, timetables, administrative identifiers, etc.). The data should not be read by malicious people.