What Do You Think About a Human Barcode?
We put tracking devices in our phones, our cars, our pets — what about our kids or even ourselves?
The New York Daily Mail reported recently on the controversial subject of putting a human barcode on infants at birth.
This came up after science fiction author Elizabeth Moon raised the issue on a BBC radio program. Moon is reported to have said she thinks every individual should have a unique ID permanently attached, such as an implanted chip, to provide an easy and inexpensive way to identify individuals. In her opinion, it would save money and be more efficient than current ways of tracking people.
While it might help in the case of abductions, runaways or an elderly person who suffers from dementia, the big question is — would it violate our right to privacy? An implantable ID chip, the VeriChip, was reportedly approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about 10 years ago, but was discontinued two years ago because of privacy concerns. However, it is reported that work continues on this idea in the scientific community.
So what do you think? Do the potential benefits outweigh the infringements on privacy? Would you microchip your baby?
Abelardo Casillas
9:02 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
Where do I sign up?
James Casteel
8:19 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Now 6 where habe I read about 6 this sort of thing befo6re?
Gail Moore
9:28 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
LOL! Mark of the beast?? Wasn't Social Security assigned that particular "brand" at one time?
Crystal Huskey
9:48 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
A lot of people think the chip is the "mark." When Verichip was first announced, it was a hugely popular conspiracy theory. People theorized that you wouldn't be able to "buy or sell" (which is described in Revelations) without the chip, and that you would be blacklisted if you refused to get it.
Crystal Huskey
9:48 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
And yeah, social security cards had that brand once ;)
James Casteel
10:08 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
I can’t say that it was. However I can tell you that SSN’s were introduced as optional. Were you given the option to having your SSN? LOL ;-)
Gail Moore
10:15 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Hmmm ... so over the years, do you think "the beast" has upgraded his "mark" with technological advances?
Sharon Swanepoel
10:24 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
I guess if someone in your family went missing, you would be glad to have microchipped them. Other than that, I'm not so sure!
Brian Crawford
10:24 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
This seems like an insanely bad idea to me.
Abelardo Casillas
12:57 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
I survived the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City; my sister was kidnapped and was found 16 years latter, could you imagine how many lives could have been saved in 1985? Or how fast authorities could have found my sister without any emotional scars?
Sharon Swanepoel
2:50 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
I definitely do see the benefits in cases like that Abelardo. It's one I really do sit on the fence about. I think it should be voluntary - but how long would it stay that way. That's the big question.
Tammy Osier
12:02 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
The book of Revelation says that the "mark" will be either on your forehead or hand. I've heard of chips being implanted beneath your skin. It would be easy to scan if so. Can't see how SS# would affect you unless it went on to fulfill the entire passage of scripture by means of identification. There are always forerunners to the real thing throughout history. So, it is a bit big brother-ish (and prophetic) to me.
Gail Moore
12:05 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Rather than any Apocalyptic thoughts, I keep seeing visions of Logan's Run and Soylent Green.