Chip implants: From human to cyborg or simply an innovative accessory?

The future is now: Chip implants could give us a strong ally in an increasingly complex, technology-driven world. But how do we react to this idea? Many of us immediately think of movies like “In Time” or other science fiction flicks that focus on total surveillance and population control. But is a chip implant really so scary? We want to dispel the prejudices and show the real possibilities.

An NFC chip implant can serve as a personal identifier. Current smartphones and other end devices already support NFC technology. With a chip implant, these devices can be unlocked simply by holding them in your hand or connecting to the WLAN. If guests want to use the WLAN at home, all they have to do is briefly check in by hand without revealing the password. An additional app on the respective smartphone is not required.

The potential applications are many: companies like Siko are already producing NFC locks, so conventional apartment keys and access cards could soon be a thing of the past. Modern cars also have NFC technology for opening and starting. The chip implant can be adapted to any terminal device, so there is no need to replace it if you buy a new device. The data transmission works up to a distance of 5 cm and is possible without battery, because the pulse of the terminal device is sufficient for the query of the identification number and data.

An example of the use of NFC chips can be found in the swimming pool. There, when you enter, you receive a wristband with an NFC chip on which a number is stored. When food and beverages are purchased, they are not stored on the chip; instead, the POS system links the ID of the NFC chip to the selected items. When leaving the pool and paying, the chip is scanned again and compared with the orders stored in the POS system. Without a chip, you face high flat fees and possibly an empty locker. Even discos are now using NFC chips to simplify admission management.

We do not offer loose NFC chips because they can be lost like a key. Instead, we allow self-implantation of a chip implant (slightly larger than a grain of rice) using a hypodermic needle. However, since this involves risks, we are working to establish connections with piercers throughout Germany to have the procedure performed professionally.

Advantages of a chip implant:

• No loss of keys
• Smartphone support
• Business card handover
• Transfer of membership cards/access authorization cards
• Bitcoin payment option
• Bus tickets
• No storage of personal data as in a wallet (name, address, photo, authorization cards, bank details, signature, etc.)

Future uses:

• Replacement for identity cards
• Airline tickets and more

We are aware that the topic of chip implants is controversial and that data protectionists are expressing concerns. However, anyone who gets to grips with the technology will quickly discover that the risk of becoming a transparent citizen is rather low. In fact, smartphones are much easier and more interesting targets for data theft than a chip that only contains a number.

Overall, chip implants could be a practical and safety-enhancing addition to our everyday lives. Technology is constantly evolving and offering more and more possibilities. Instead of being intimidated by science fiction scenarios, we should be open to the innovations of the future and take advantage of the benefits that chip implants can offer.