Edible Microchips, Biometric Identity System

They are here and about to be marketed in the UK before the year ends. Technology is truly advancing faster than anyone can imagine. I think in this age nothing is impossible. And I bet, most of you probably have not heard of "edible microchips" yet. I have no idea about it until recently. Yep, I have read a lot on human microchipping topics around the net and, in fact, I blogged about it last year, September 5, 2011 - The Human Microchipping Agenda. I mostly thought of it as implants and not something to be swallowed.

The "they" in this topic are called edible microchips. They are digestible sensors smaller than a grain of sand that can supposedly  transmit medical information from a patient's body to blue-tooth enabled smartphones or computers. This will aid doctors monitor the health condition of a patient and track in-take of medicines. This works together with a monitoring patch attached to a patient's arm or shoulder and records details of medication programmes to alert individuals when doses are required.

On sale, smart pill with 'edible microchip' that tells you and your doctor when the next dose is due. A patch on the skin will pick up a signal once tablet is swallowed and relay this to a smart phone. The system will be offered to patients taking medication for heart conditions and diabetes. (read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk)

This is all good with all its benefits and all that. But is there really a possibility of using this device other than its intended medical purpose? Another article that aroused my interest, highlighting the probability of a  nefarious scheme raised the question...

But could such edible microchips be used for more nefarious purposes in the future? Of course. And scientists are developing many other new ways for you to be tracked by technology as well. For example, do you remember in the movie "Minority Report" how Tom Cruise had to cover his eyes because he was being tracked by them wherever he went. Well, it won't be too long before that becomes a reality in our world. IBM is aggressively developing new biometric identity systems that could significantly change the way that we live our lives. (read more: http://endoftheamericandream.com)

I cannot say for sure if this is something to be ecstatic about but in addition to all these, IBM's press release in December unveils a list of innovations that have the potential to change the way we work, live and even interact during the next 5 years.

• People power will come to life. This will allow individuals to collect kinetic energy and use it to power homes, offices and cities. Energy around us comes in all shapes and forms and IBM scientists in Ireland are finding ways to understand and minimize the environmental impact of converting ocean wave energy into electricity.
• You will never need a password again. It supposed to make you a working password through your unique biological identity. A Biometric Data such as your facial definitions, retinal scans and voice files will be composited through software to build your DNA unique online password.
  
• Mind reading is no longer a science fiction. This innovation is supposed to link your brain to your devices such as computers or smartphones. You will make things happen just by thinking and not actually doing it.
• The digital divide will cease to exist. Access of information will be available through mobile technology. Even illiterates can pass along information through recorded messages on their phones.
• Junk mail will become priority mail. IBM is developing a technology that uses real time analytics and integrate data from across all facets of your life such as your social networks and personal preference to present and recommend information that is only useful to you.

To know more of what I have enumerated here, you can read the details in their website at IBM.com. 

When microchipping in human and biometric identity system were only possible in movies, I thought how brilliant the idea were and how creative the person to think of something unimaginable! It's all in the movies, it can't be possible and it will not happen. Surprise! It has!!! Microchipping has become a reality. Not so long ago, when articles on human microchipping started to circulate around the net, various reactions can be read. Those who were vigilant and bold to express their thoughts were ridiculed and derided as delusional and paranoid. Now that the technology has been confirmed and soon to be out in the market, speculations on the hidden agenda can't be easily dismissed. This technology raises not only a big concern to privacy but a violation of human rights for that matter. If abused and used in the most nefarious scenario then we are geared toward world control by a government wormed with greed.

Biometric identity system is also not far from reality. Soon enough this will become ordinary and be used in our lives. Voice analysis is now being used in the call center industry for account authentication. Let us see how fast they can fully develop this technology. Only then we can see how this  is going to affect our lives. A cashless society will  ensue as some speculated.