Jim Waters

Mrs. Newport
4/1/2017
Threats Purposed by Embedding Radio Frequency Identification Devices

Radio Frequency Identification

Device (RFID) technology has been

around since the early 1940s.

Initially implemented by

governments around the world, RFID

was used to identify aircrafts, vehicles, navy vessels, service members, and other government

personnel. For example, verifying an aircraft flying over a protected airfield or making sure that

the person walking into the pentagon had the proper security clearance. However, RFID

technology has surpassed just being an identification card or chip. It is that, but it is also a GPS

tracking device, a way to collect all your personal data, track all your purchases, and ultimately a

tool for total surveillance, of everywhere you go, everything you do, and whom it may be with.

RFID technology has too many implications, causing far too great of a risk to be physically

imbedded into American citizens. While the implementation of RFID chips could be beneficial in

an exceedingly small number of cases, most people would choose not to have this violation of

privacy forced upon them; the fact that RFID chipping is a breach of your personal privacy

creates a risk for individuals and/or governments to fraudulently use or steal your information.
 Radio frequency identification device or RFID was developed in the 1940s as an

Identification system. Ownership of these devices were strictly maintained by governments

around the world, this is no longer the case. These devices have been adopted by industries,

warehouses, corporations, and individuals. They are used to scan in shipments, track products,

and prevent theft. Although this all sounds harmless enough, they are now also implemented to

collect data, personal information, GPS tracking, track spending and purchases of a company

and/or individual. However, doesnt this seem like an invasion of our privacy?

Invasion of Privacy?

Is RFID chipping of U.S. citizens an invasion of our personal

privacy? Most people would say yes, but some, like Eric

Schmidt the former CEO of Google, may argue, If you are

doing something that you dont want anyone to know, maybe

you shouldnt be doing it in the first place the reality is that search engines, including google,

do retain this information for some time, and its important for example that we are all subject to

the Patriot Act. It is possible to make that information available to the authorities. The classic if

you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to fear approach. It is not a matter of having to

hide anything but the fact that these institutions can buy or sell your information without your

consent or knowledge of this ever happening. This is not only an invasion of your personal

privacy but is also a violation of your fourth amendment right, protected under the U.S.

Constitution, and I quote, The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers,

and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants
shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly

describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. This is a direct

violation in the sense that your papers or data is not secure and can be searched, seized,

and/or even purchased or sold without your consent or a warrant.

The Patriot Act and Patriot Sunsets Extension

The Patriot Act helped when it comes to the government

being able to obtain this information without a warrant. For

those not familiar with the Patriot Act, The Patriot Act was an

act of Congress that was signed into law by President George W.

Bush on October 26, 2001 and was reauthorized On May 26,

2011, by President Barack Obama. Obama signed the PATRIOT

Sunsets Extension Act of 2011. This was an extension of three key provisions including: roving

wiretaps, searches of business records, and conducting surveillance of lone wolves. However,

this act also includes indefinite detention, permission of law enforcement to search a home or

business without the owner's consent or knowledge, and it allows the FBI to search telephone, e-

mail, and financial records without a court order. (Wikipedia.com)

RFID Tags in the Medical and Business World

 Nevertheless, this technology can be utilized in positive aspects as

well. Many major pharmaceutical companies and distribution

owners could argue that there are endless positive attributes that the

RFID tags can offer. The RFID tag designs perpetuate to evolve as

the world is turning to incipient applications, performance, cost reduction, low manufacturing

cost, and size reduction. They are also decreasing the losses arising from drug counterfeiting,

expired products and overstocking in the retail and pharmaceutical industries. This has made

RFID tags a sought after automatic identification system. The RFID tags ability to trace, track,

authenticate, and uniquely identify each pharmaceutical product, avails to ameliorate inventory

management through the reduction of out-of-stock items, an increase in the safety of the stock,

more efficient product recalls, and drug safety. (Yasin, Khaw, Reaz 1)

However, this type of technology can also cause some major health effects. Think about

the correlations of radio waves and cancer. Sure, the government denies any correlation between

the two, but they also tell you that it is ok to ingest neurological poisons like sodium fluoride

daily, through your water tap. In fact, they say it is good for your teeth. There is no question

that exposure to constant radio waves can be extremely harmful. This is one reason cell phone

providers have put out a public service announcement informing women not to carry these

phones in their undergarments. Cell phones, microwaves, and RFID chips are all considered low

frequency radiation, yet you add continuous exposure to the equation and the results can be

catastrophic. Other adverse stated by Kenneth R. Foster, Jan Jaeger, of the University of

Pennsylvania illustrate that some adverse effects include, adverse tissue reaction, migration of

implanted transponder, compromised information security, failure of implanted transponder,

failure of inserter, failure of electronic scanner, electromagnetic interference, electrical hazards,

magnetic resonance imaging incompatibility, and needle stick (Foster, Jaeger par. possible

health risks) Foster and Jaeger also went on to state,

In fact, for more than one decade it has been known that implanted RFID

tags similar to those used in the VeriMed system are associated with

tumors in rodents, mostly sarcomas (Blanchard et al.1999; Elcock et al.

2001; Tillmann et al. 1997). The veterinary literature also contains a

scattering of reports of tumors in dogs implanted with microchips (e.g.,

Vascellari et al. 2006). At least some of these investigators have attributed

such effects to foreign-body induced tumorigenesis (Elcock et al. 2001), to

which rodents are particularly prone, but which is not unknown in humans

as well (Moore 1991).

The medical complications that can arise from the embedding of RFID tags in humans

are still unclear. Therefore, we should not consider implanting this technology whatsoever. This

technology is also not fully secured and is at a constant risk for identity theft.

Threats of Identity Theft

The benefits of using RFID tags as listed above

are very accurate and necessary. Nonetheless, the

implications that follow RFID chipping are severe and

the obtainability of information for hackers and identity

thieves is extremely vast. The article illustrated by Melanie R. Rieback, Bruno Crispo, and
Andrew S. Tanenbaum of Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, refers to the way of obtaining other

individuals personal information as sniffing.

Sniffing-

RFID tags are indiscriminatetheyre designed to be readable by any compliant

reader. Unfortunately, this lets unauthorized readers scan tagged items

unbeknownst to the bearer, often from great distances. People can also collect

RFID data by eavesdropping on the wire-less RFID channel. Unrestricted access

to tag data can have serious implications. (Rieback, Crispo, Tanenbaum 65)

Another major implication involving RFID tags is something called spoofing. Spoofing

is when someone takes the information they have obtained by sniffing as described above, and

puts that data on a blank RFID tag. Ultimately, giving the thief total and unlimited power of how

they choose to use the information obtained. With this technology becoming wireless the

information from RFID tags are much easier for hackers and identity thieves to achieve.

consequently, causing a massive rise in identity theft and fraud.

Hypothetically speaking, if your information was compromised, you could be turned

away from certain jobs, banks, and health insurance companies. With the present danger of the

RFID tags already in your license, ID cards, debit and credit cards, we should not be considering

the implantation of these devices in people. It is one thing to keep track of your pets, and

possibly inside of wrist watches for children. But to have them implanted inside of everyone or

anyone would be absurd. This type of technology reminds me of a quote by Albert Einstein, It

has become appalling obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity. Meaning, our

technological progress is more important than the rights of humanity. This also creates some
questions as to what big brother is planning to use this collection of personal data for. This

could be abused in a governmental aspect, by using this type of technology to create a total

surveillance state, if it has not already.

Total surveillance

RFID chipping of U.S. citizens is an invasive form of

surveillance over where you go, what you buy, and when

you were there. What is left besides why you bought it?

Which I am sure they can figure out, based on what the product was that you purchased. Thats

right, total surveillance for you and I. The definition of surveillance from dictionary.com states,

A watch kept over a person, group, etc., especially over a suspect, prisoner, or the like. Why

would they want to track your every move? Ever hear the old saying, Just because you are not

interested in the government, doesnt mean the government is not interested in you? Or If you

ever feel lonely and like no one cares about you, try not paying your taxes. Sure, may seem a bit

humorous, yet very true.

Many would say that RFID chipping of everyone is an excellent way to keep tabs on the

integrity of individuals and that total surveillance of the public is necessary, to try and prevent

major foreign and/or domestic terrorist attacks. Once again, many of the advocates for total

surveillance would argue, If you dont have anything to hide, then you have nothing to fear. As

mentioned above, its not about having to hide anything, yet to keep your personal information,

purchase history, and where you go confidential. While the prevention of terrorist attacks is

essential, the truth is you are more likely to be killed in a car accident or by a drunk driver than
by a terrorist. As illustrated by the Washington Post, in an article called Youre more likely to be

fatally crushed by furniture than to be killed by a terrorist. Written by Andrew Shaver insists to,

Consider, for instance, that since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Americans

have been no more likely to die at the hands of terrorists than being

crushed to death by unstable televisions and furniture. Meanwhile, in the

time it has taken you to read until this point, at least one American has

died from a heart attack. Within the hour, a fellow citizen will have died

from skin cancer. Roughly five minutes after that, a military veteran will

commit suicide. And by the time you turn the lights off to sleep this

evening, somewhere around 100 Americans will have died throughout the

day in vehicular accidents the equivalent of a plane full of people

crashing, killing everyone on board, every single day. (Shaver 1)

With every place you go, every purchase you make, and who you associate with being

tracked, you could be put into an extremely awkward situation by the manipulation of this

information. Banks and credit bureaus could refuse to give you a loan or a credit card, based on

predictions they have made and the data they have collected. Perhaps even decide to turn you

away because your associate Kyle, owes them X amount of money, therefore they consider you a

high risk candidate. Maybe you are running for governor or state senate and the banks you use

are willing to sell your previous transaction history, for your opposition to attempt to blackmail

or coerce you to drop out of the race. Not to mention the embedding of RFID chips in every U.S.

citizen sounds more like tyranny than security.

A History of Tyranny
 Think about this topic historically, why have past

governments called for total surveillance of a nation? The

answer is to form a type of totalitarianism. The definition of

totalitarianism from the Webster dictionary is, The

political concept that the citizen should be totally subject to an absolute state authority. The

implementation of embedding RFID tags in humans is just one of the puzzle pieces being put

into place to gain total control. The National Security Agency (NSA) is an American intelligence

organization controlled by the federal government and is responsible for global monitoring. In an

article written by Arjen Kamphuis on consortiumnews.com, called How the NSA invites

Totalitarianism Kamphuis suggests that the U.S. government openly admits to conducting

global surveillance. The article reads, After more than six months of revelations about the

global surveillance infrastructure built by the U.S. government and its allies, many people and

politicians still tout the I have nothing to hide attitude toward the most over-armed, hyper-

intrusive super-power in human history.

The U.S. Government has continuously shown to be following a totalitarian ideological

perspective, disguised as necessary security measures. Time and time again whistle blowers from

all different branches of government have come fourth and shined some light on these privacy

law violations. Edward Snowden is an excellent current example, of a whistle blower coming

forward and describing in detail, the type of data and invasive surveillance techniques used

throughout the NSA without a warrant. With the U.S. government playing the judge, jury, and

executioner to anyone they decide is a foreign or domestic terrorist should worry us. If you

speak out about these types of violations they will label you a threat to national security and
come for your head, just like they did to Snowden. Kamphuis briefly confirms this in his article

and mentions Snowden as a whistle blower. The U.S. government also reserves to itself the

right to kill anyone, anywhere who supposedly represents a terrorist threat to the United States

and to do so on the say-so of some unaccountable and essentially anonymous intelligence

officials. The blood lust even extends to whistleblowers like former NSA contractor Edward

Snowden.

This is clearly not a democracy, it is more so an incognito, total surveillance, tyrannical

system. Snowden came forth and exposed what the NSA was doing, the Glenn Greenwald of the

Guardian published an article called, NSA collecting phone records of millions of Verizon

customers daily. This was not discredited at first by former President Obama, but was justified

by him. Then came the attack on Edward Snowden, labeling him a threat to national security,

causing him to flee the country in fear of indefinite incarceration or assassination. The story of

Edward Snowden hit national news and has recently become a movie called Snowden. The

point I am trying to convey is that these brave men coming forward and exposing these injustices

against the American people, are labeled public enemy number one. Does this sound like the land

of the free and the home of the brave?

The Future or The Present?

 The future and/or present is starting to look a lot

more like a technological prison. Especially, when it

comes to RFID chipping of U.S. citizens. Where we go,

what we buy, who we associate with, how much money we

spend, how much debt we have, how much money we

have in the bank, where we live, our medical record, our

insurance policies, our police records (speeding tickets, parking tickets, etc.), just about anything

you can think of can be and will be collected on this RFID tag. Section 2 of our Miranda rights

states, Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. (Miranda warning,

Wikipedia.com) Do you believe this right will matter, when the police can scan your hand and

use the information gathered against you? Persecution based on the collection of data? You

were there at this time, with this person and didnt see who committed the crime? Then it must

have been you! False conviction based on the data collected, without us having to say anything.

Still dont believe this is in dire need of immediate attention? An article written by Ing

Lisa of Dublin City University called, Life on the Grid: Implanting Humans. A Look at the

Ethical & Moral Considerations for Relative Legislation in Ireland Relating to Implanted RFID

Tags describes how the implementation of mandatory RFID tags in the U.S. is imminent. While

also reinforcing my statement above that we are currently living in a surveillance state, calling

the U.S. arguably a surveillance society. Page 23 of the article is strictly dedicated to current

legislation of the U.S. and how it has laid the groundwork to mandate this technology throughout

the United States. Lisa states,

The US is arguably a surveillance society. whereby the internet and

new technologies help to facilitate the invasion peoples privacy; from

 implantable microchips to data-mining especially through the proliferation

of social media. The explosion of these technologies; computers, wireless

communications, smart phones, GPS and biometrics, means that there are

fewer technical barriers to establishing an Orwellian Big Brother

administration in the private sector. In Europe, there are strong laws

governing the use of data gathered on consumers, while in the US, no such

overarching legislation exists.

However, we do still maintain some control over our bodies at a state level, at least for

now. If there was a forced mandate for all US citizens to get an RFID tag embedded under the

skin, would you comply? This reminds me of what we refer to as the Frankenstein effect. Just

because we can, should we? Is this actual progress? Or Would we ultimately be creating our own

demise? All relevant questions we need to be asking ourselves, when it comes to embedding

RFID tags. The definition of progress is to be moving forward or onward toward a destination.

(Webster dictionary) Therefore, sure this could be considered progress, yet progress for whom?

And what destination would we be heading towards? I conducted a social media driven survey,

with a group of random panelists, in which I asked several questions pertaining to this particular

topic. When I asked the group how they would respond to a forced mandate, 80% of the

participants answered with some sort of rebellious response (I would move, I would start a

rebellion, etc.) and the other 20% said they would comply with a forced mandate.

Therefore, I believe this type of technology should never be implanted in the human

body. The massive collection of data already, is alarming. Hopefully, our current privacy and

protection laws, the fourth amendment, and the inevitable threat of fraud and identification theft

will sway any opposing views. Although, if not, Im hoping that the people of this once great
nation, will stand up and fight against a forced mandate to RFID tag every US citizen. Just

remember as Albert Einstein once said, The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil,

but by those who watch them without doing anything.

Work Cited:
BCL, Lisa B. SC. "Life on the Grid: Implanting Humans. A Look at the Ethical & Moral

Considerations for Relative Legislation in Ireland Relating to Implanted RFID Tags."

(2014).

Foster, Kenneth R., and Jan Jaeger. "Ethical Implications of Implantable Radio Frequency

Identification (RFID) Tags in Humans." The American Journal of Bioethics 8.8 (2008):

44-48. Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Web. 4 May 2017.

Greenwald, Glenn. "NSA collecting phone records of millions of Verizon customers daily." The

Guardian 6.5 (2013): 13.

House Judiciary Committee Staffers in Cooperation with Staff Attorneys from the Office of the

Legislative Counsel. "Patriot Act." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 May 2017.

Web. 05 May 2017.

Kamphuis, Arjen. "How NSA Invites Totalitarianism." Consortiumnews. N.p., 17 Jan. 2014.

Web. 23 Apr. 2017 https://consortiumnews.com/2014/01/17/how-nsa-invites-

totalitarianism/

Mohd-Yasin, F., M. K. Khaw, and Md Mamun Ibne Reaz. "Radio frequency identification."

Microwave Journal 49.6 (2006): 56-70.

 Shaver, Andrew. "Youre More Likely to Be Fatally Crushed by Furniture than Killed by a

Terrorist." The Washington Post. WP Company, 23 Nov. 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.

Definition of totalitarianism
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totalitarianism

Albert Einstein Quotes

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/albert_einstein.html

Picture sources in order they were used:

(RFID)
http://www.buonanotizia.org/index.php/scienza/item/817-un-microcomputer-inserito-nella-
mano-e-tutti-diventiamo-cyborg

Invasion of Privacy
http://mrjonespage.blogspot.com/2014_02_01_archive.html

The Patriot Act

https://www.pinterest.com/hopenoellekell/libertarian-stuff/

RFID Tags in the Business

http://www.criticalassettracking.com/healthcare-asset-tracking/

Threat of ID Theft
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/539657967823293119/

Total Surveillance
https://www.tumblr.com/search/nsa%20espionage
A History of Tyranny
https://www.pinterest.com/beatgrrrl/yes-siree-bob/

The Future or the Present?

http://massprivatei.blogspot.com/2014/06/dhs-is-working-side-by-side-with-local.html