Human-Implantable Microchips: Location-Awareness and the Dawn of an “Internet of Persons”

Abstract

This chapter explains the technology behind human-implantable microchips (RFID/GPS implants), describes the social and privacy implications of the identifica- tion and tracking capabilities of human-implantable microchips and other location- based services; explains how human-implantable microchips can change the nature of the public space and the way we view our bodies; outlines the security gains of human-implantable microchips; describes the scope of the actual and potential deployment of human-implantable microchips; provides an overview of the statutory law, case law, administrative decisions and soft regulations in the US of special relevance to human-implantable microchips; evaluates the relevant deficiencies and dilemmas of the US legal framework in terms of safeguarding privacy and civil liberties, with regard to the potential deployment and use of human-implantable microchips; and proposes some policy-relevant recommendations on how to enhance the US legal framework and address the issues identified.