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Created on: June 10, 2009 Last Updated: June 28, 2009
RFID CHIPS
RFID tags were patented in 1973 but only recently has technology allowed them to be feasible. Some are as small as a grain of sand and can contain a wide variety of information. These tiny little chips act as a transponder by sending out a signal when prompted by a certain radio frequency. The frequency can be several feet away for the chips without their own battery and several hundred yards for the chips that contain their own power supply.
Europe is reportedly already incorporating these tiny chips in their currency. This would be convenient for thieves with a radio receiver to see how much money a person has on them before they mug them. It has been said that American currency also contains RFID tags. Personally, I do not feel secure with just any one to be able to know how much cash I may be carrying.
RFID tags are also contained in passports, credit cards, employee I.D. cards, and cattle. Meter readers also employ this technology. They can tell how much electricity you have used while in their truck several hundred yards away. Farmers use them in their livestock and can count a herd by simply pointing a receiver in the direction of the herd. Pets are also chipped to aid in recovery if lost. By having this chip underneath their skin, their risk of contracting cancer is greatly increased. Tumors can form around the area of the implant. If your pet or livestock has been chipped keep a close eye on the location, and check regularly by gently pressing the area as you feel for knots.
In 2004 the FDA approved the veri-chip for being implanted in humans. Over 2000 people have already received the veri-chip and the Florida based company that created it had big plans to implant millions of Americans. However, thanks to the work of Katherine Albrecht, http://www.katherinealbrecht.com millions of Americans now know the danger of these chips.
To sum it up, RFID chips can be beneficial when used in the right applications. However, they can also be very intrusive on our privacy and could also be a danger to our health. Congress has been pushing for every American to carry an I.D. card that is embedded with one of these chips. It will replace all forms of I.D., including drivers license, passport and medical. This will leave you more vulnerable than ever to identity theft, as well as other negative ramifications. These chips can be easily disabled by giving them a good whack with a hammer, but it is illegal to alter or destroy a passport.
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