Amal of Borg.

February 17, 2006 8:10 AM

Amal Graafstra has implanted two rfid chips into his hands to permit himself keyless access to his computer, car and home. He's also written a book about the experience and the various rfid "toys" he's devised. This Valentine's Day, he and his girlfriend expressed a "modern declaration of their affection for each other, with implanted electronic chips that allow them unfettered access to each other's lives". Interested in something similar? The company Amal used is selling a kit. Though they don't actually recommend it for use with medical implants. So, cool, crazy or inevitable?
posted by darkstar (21 comments total)

"cool, crazy or inevitable?"

Yes.


Also, you forgot scary. It's also scary.


I don't want any rfid crap under my skin, thanks. However, as soon as I can get a retinal projection hud, sign me up.
posted by stenseng at 8:16 AM on February 17, 2006

It's like Dot Com Guy only with more chance of an infection.
posted by bondcliff at 8:22 AM on February 17, 2006

So, cool, crazy or inevitable?

Who says it isn't already in use?

That's why I wrap myself in alternating layers of lead and copper foil, well, that and the tingly sensation I get when I sweat.
posted by Pollomacho at 8:25 AM on February 17, 2006

Jennifer Tomblin and Amal Graafstra have made the most modern declaration of their affection for each other, with implanted electronic chips that allow them unfettered access to each other's lives.

And in six months we'll see the most modern declaration of separation when, with a keystroke, they'll deny each other access.
posted by three blind mice at 8:25 AM on February 17, 2006

Transmetropolitan is not science fiction.
posted by slimepuppy at 8:39 AM on February 17, 2006

This is a logical (although I'll never do it) progression; It amazes me how many "older" people readily signed up for "touch to pay" in all the local Jewels. While not RFID, a payment streamlining process. Will retailers et al stop at nothing to make transactions completely fluid? Seems to remove what little thinking is done when buying things, catering to the impulsive.
posted by AllesKlar at 8:45 AM on February 17, 2006

And in six months we'll see the most modern declaration of separation when, with a keystroke, they'll deny each other access.

Partition will be the new separation
posted by AllesKlar at 8:48 AM on February 17, 2006

My evangelical upbringing makes me want to scream, "It's the Mark of the Beast!" Soon we'll all be required to have one just to get a Big Gulp at the 7-11.
posted by MasonDixon at 9:01 AM on February 17, 2006

"Partition will be the new separation"

FDISK /SO:1
posted by mr_crash_davis at 9:03 AM on February 17, 2006

Will retailers et al stop at nothing to make transactions completely fluid?

This is why the credit card industry cares so little about fraud; their business model only needs credit card use to keep growing, and it potentially has a long way to grow.

So they are now looking into touchless or wireless credit cards that don't even require a swipe-n-sign. That tech will increase the rate of fraud, but they project that it will increase the rate of card use even more.

As for embedded RFID chips, I'll be damned if I'm going to give thieves an incentive to cut my hand off.
posted by sonofsamiam at 9:11 AM on February 17, 2006

666kHz -- the Radio Frequency of the Beast.
posted by LordSludge at 9:17 AM on February 17, 2006

On ergonomics alone, this is better than the card reader I installed in my ass.
posted by horsewithnoname at 9:21 AM on February 17, 2006

Chips ahoy!
posted by kozad at 10:00 AM on February 17, 2006

As for embedded RFID chips, I'll be damned if I'm going to give thieves an incentive to cut my hand off

heh, brilliant.
posted by knapah at 10:01 AM on February 17, 2006

My ezine interviewed Amal Graafstra back in March 2005...
posted by glider at 10:16 AM on February 17, 2006

thanks for the link glider. good interview.
posted by jba at 10:25 AM on February 17, 2006

No way Jose, not for me. I want to be able to walk out of Wal- mart without setting off the security system. Seriously i once bought a pair of shoes with an rfid tag embedded in the sole, and they forgot to deactivate it at the register. Everywhere i went i heard bells and warnings. Now some homeless dude has the shoes...
posted by Gungho at 10:29 AM on February 17, 2006

So, cool, crazy or inevitable?

Stupid.
posted by gsb at 11:25 AM on February 17, 2006

As for embedded RFID chips, I'll be damned if I'm going to give thieves an incentive to cut my hand off.

_shIt happens.
posted by -harlequin- at 11:51 AM on February 17, 2006

Heh...from glider's link:

"Does Biblical Scripture warn us of the coming of Amal Graafstra?"
posted by darkstar at 1:47 PM on February 17, 2006

In this era of implanted pacemakers, semi-functional artificial hearts, and orgasmotrons, does anyone else find the concept of implanting what's basically a house key under your skin achingly, mind-numbingly boring? When multichannel cortical electrodes come on the general market somebody please use one to blast my brain out of the stupor that Mr. Graafstra has induced in it.
posted by monocyte at 2:08 PM on February 17, 2006