It is evident the gap between humans and technology is closing. A new initiative has been launched in Stockholm, a co-working space offers microchip implants to all of its members. This will help the members open doors and operate equipment without friction. In fact, it appears this concept has become so popular, they even host “microchipping parties”.
Free Microchips For Co-working Space Members
Although it may sound crazy to have a microchip implanted in one’s skin, the concept offers quite a lot of benefits. Stockholm’s Epicenter co-working space has started offering the microchipping process free of charge to all of its 2,000 members. Anyone who has the chip implanted can operate office equipment and open doors without requiring authentication.
To be more specific, the Epicenter staff embeds a microchip through a syringe. Every chip is inserted in between the co-working space members’ thumb and index finger. No surgery is required, which is quite a relief to most members. Interestingly enough, a lot of people have taken a liking to this concept, which even surprises the Epicenter staff.
One thing working in favor of this microchipping process is how it provides unprecedented convenience. Unlocking a door by just being near it sounds like something out of a science-fiction movie, yet it is a tangible reality in Stockholm. Moreover, this eliminates the need for keys, cards, or any other type of extra authentication model. Plus, no one can forget to bring their microchip, as it is embedded in their hand at all times.
At the same time, there are some security and privacy concerns to take into account. Although the microchipping process is biologically safe, the chips generate a lot of data that invades user privacy. For example, it is possible to track the whereabouts of a person or their behavior. It is impossible to distinguish between a work and real life environment in this regard, which is a kink that needs to be worked out sooner rather than later.
All of the microchips use NFC technology to communicate with other technology in the vicinity. All implants are completely passive, which means they cannot read information themselves. However, any other type of electronic device interfacing with the chip can extract information from it without problems. This leaves the door wide open for hackers to take advantage of these embedded microchips, although no such attack has been recorded to date.
It is evident the Epicenter co-working space is effectively creating an “army of cyborgs”. At the same time, it goes to show a lot of people are open-minded to embedded microchips in their body if it provides them with additional convenience. This is just the first step towards merging electronics with human bodies, other than just for medicinal purposes. It will be interesting to see if other companies follow Epicenter’s lead moving forward.
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