Implanting computer chips under your skin

[Yoshi]

This...now this...handy, but truly a disturbing thought. >_<

NEW YORK: Forgetting computer passwords is an everyday source of frustration, but a solution may be "at hand" – in the form of computer chip implants.

With a wave of his hand, Amal Graafstra, a 29-year-old Vancouver entrepreneur, opens his front door. With another, he logs on to his computer.

Tiny radio frequency identification computer chips inserted into Mr Graafstra's hands make it all possible.

"I just don't want to be without access to the things that I need to get access to. In the worst-case scenario, if I'm in the alley naked, I want to still be able to get in (my house)," he said in New York, where he is promoting the technology. "RFID is for me."

And no, it's not just this one person.

Mr Graafstra said at least 20 of his tech-savvy friends had RFID implants.

http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/c ... 62,00.html (above stories from here)
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/NewsArt ... PLANTS.XML

Now, I can understand how often people forget passwords and how they like their security, and how this will prevent (or make much more difficult) theft, but implanting this device into your skin? Ewww.

I'm just imagining crimes much more gory when intelligence thieves start ripping people's hands off to gain access to things.

[WIS]

It'd be cool though. I'd want one.

I think it'd be much easier if they made computer chip earrings or something. o_o

[coming2atvnearu]

See, I've got a fancy way of getting my passwords entered too.

I take a pencil. And I write it down. On paper.

Batteries not included.

[KillerRay]

I want one but thats just disgusting..

[Ellaie]

They seem pretty cool, and they would also make hacking more of a chore. However, for those who would want to break into things, all you would need would be someone's hand... which would make it easier? No password guessing needed.

[Skynetmain]

I heard about this, but I think for someone by a different name. It is a good idea, but too creepy for my tastes.

[Pudding]

I wouldn't do it myself, but I don't think it's that horrible. If it's anything like microchips for pets, it's really small and not a big deal. I doubt it'll ever be a very widely used thing, though.

Still...it does make me think of some book where a character with an implanted chip was killed for it. *shudders*

[Christopher]

Whenever I hear of things like this I think about ghost in the shell, and how the most notorious of hackers are defeated by a pencil and paper. It can't be downloaded

[Hunter Lupe]

The main problem is that it's replacing a "something you know" security token with a "something you have" security token. While things you know aren't readily accessible, things you have can be spied on, stolen, or looted off your dead (unconscious?) body.

Then again, lugging dead hands around will probably look suspicious.

[Archimedes]

*Thinks about all the Orwellian possibilities*

*Doesn't need to say so, because you've already read his thoughts via the chip in his brain*

[Asparagus Queen]

I don't think it's gross, because we microchip our animals all the time. Wave a scanner over your dog's neck, and a little number shows up telling the animal shelter their id number.

I think it's kinda cool, but I dunno. A bit odd to have your password in your hand.

[halfbakedbliss]

I enjoy the theories that RFID is the Mark of The Beast ^-^.
http://wired.com/news/privacy/0,68133-0.html?tw=wn_story_page_prev2

[DiscordantNote]

I immediately thought of Futurama when I read the topic title.

On subject, I don't think I'd want one. The thought of something implanted into my hand is not appetizing. What if something goes wrong? What if I can't use my hand properly with the chip?

[pattypus]

Oh ya, I heard of that.

It's kinda gross. o_0 My grandma's dog has something like that in her back.

[halfbakedbliss]

I wonder how it would get updates if it would need them, or if it could be used in a global conspiracy to control the minds of the human race.