Vicky Chu: Microchip Identification

If I could, I would have a microchip implanted in my body.

Microchip for Pets

Microchip implant, an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of pets, is “common as a means of allowing owners to keep track of the whereabouts of their pets” (Chumley). This grain-of-rice-sized chip helps animal shelters, animal control officers, and veterinarians to return lost pets to their owners, and avoid expenses for housing, food, medical care, and euthanasia.

What if this technology is used in humans? According to a CBC News article, “[an] American company is marketing an implantable identity microchip” (CBC News). This chip, called VeriChip, is the same size as the chip inserted in pets. It is linked to a database that contains whatever information the user wants to include – it has the potential to be used in a variety of ways from telling doctors your medical history to paying your bills. Therefore, with this chip in my body, I would no longer need my credit cards to pay groceries or bills, my identification card to access information or saving deposit box, or my keys or student ID card to open doors with my hands full of bags or other stuff (as Industrial Design students, we need to carry heavy materials such as wood or big pieces of cardboards; it would be great if the doors could be opened without having our ID card swiped) – which would make my life easier and more convenient. Moreover, VeriChip is also a passive chip that “[yields] information only when scanned by a nearby reader” (Eng). Thus, I would not have to worry about information being stolen or used for illegal activities.

VeriChip Implantation and Reading

Finally, having a microchip inserted under my skin would be my choice if I could have technology enter my body. The implanted identification would not only help me accessing doors easily, but also secure my information safely.