4th December 2021
Implanted microchips operate via radio frequency identification technology, a wireless system comprising tags and readers.
Radio-frequency identification microchips use the same technology found in credit cards, key fobs and public transport passes.
The RFID chips are passive, meaning they don’t have a battery or power source, and so do nothing until they interact with a reader. Since they don’t emit a signal, they can’t be tracked. But there are microchips that use near-field communication and these can store data, such as your contact details and blood type.
Microchip implants have been popular in Sweden for a number of years
The wider trend of inserting microchips under the skin containing personal information has developed over the past few years, gaining popularity in Sweden.
In 2017 it was reported that thousands in the country already had microchips implanted in their hands – mainly for use at work instead of a plastic ID card to open doors, use printers and pay for food.
In 2017, the country’s state-owned railway company also announced that it started accepting microchip tickets with the rising number of people who had microchips implants.
Microchips for COVID-19 vaccination records
People in Sweden are increasingly seeking to have microchips inserted into their bodies that contain their COVID-19 vaccination records, according to local media outlets.
The daily Aftonbladet reported recently that a rise was recorded in the number of people who had microchips inserted in their hands following the country’s announcement that a vaccination passport will be required at all events with over 100 participants as of Dec. 1.
Citing a resident, Hannes Sjoblad, the daily reported that he had a microchip with his vaccination passport inserted to his left hand.
Sjoblad noted that all his information about COVID-19 is reflected on his mobile phone when he takes his mobile phone in his left hand, adding that this is a new trend that has become popular among Swedes.
According to digital cultures researcher Moa Petersen, around 6,000 people have so far had a chip inserted in their hands.
Petersen stressed that those with microchip implants have stopped carrying vaccine passports, keys, ID cards, and even train tickets with them.
Sources
Swedes are using a microchip in their hand to pay for train tickets https://nypost.com/2017/06/14/swedes-are-using-a-microchip-in-their-hand-to-pay-for-train-tickets/
Rail company accepts tickets on a microchip in your hand https://www.bbc.com/news/av/technology-41178142
Chipping away at our privacy https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0306422020917596
People Get Microchips Implanted That Include Vaccine Records Amid New COVID Restrictions https://www.newsweek.com/people-get-microchips-implanted-that-include-vaccine-records-amid-new-covid-restrictions-1655916
Facing COVID passport mandate, more Swedes get microchip implants https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/facing-covid-passport-mandate-more-swedes-get-microchip-implants/2436048