In a move that could have come straight out of a dystopian novel, a Wisconsin company has announced it plans to install microchips in employees.
Three Square Market has insisted that it has no plans to use GPS tracking as part of the move - phew, well I guess all your fears about the increasingly draconian march of corporations under late capitalism can rest easy then.
According to their press release, the program will be optional for employees and the company will begin implementation on 1 August.
Credit: PA
The company claims that the Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chip will allow staff to make purchases in a micro market in their break room, open doors, log in to computers and to use the copy machine. Over 50 staff members are to be voluntarily chipped.
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Three Square Market CEO, Todd Westby said: "We foresee the use of RFID technology to drive everything from making purchases in our office break room market, opening doors, use of copy machines, logging into our office computers, unlocking phones, sharing business cards, storing medical/health information, and used as payment at other RFID terminals.
"Eventually, this technology will become standardised, allowing you to use this as your passport, public transit, all purchasing opportunities, etc."
Credit: Flickr/Uwe Hermann (Creative Commons)
Three Square Market VP of International Sales, Tony Danna claimed the idea had come from the company's work in Europe.
He said: "When working with our operators over in Europe, we came across a company of chipped employees at BioHax International and the concept of using RFID with micro markets quickly grew."
"We see chip technology as the next evolution in payment systems, much like micro markets have steadily replaced vending machines. As a leader in micro market technology, it is important that 32M continues leading the way with advancements such as chip implants" added Mr. Westby.
Credit: PA
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In Britain it's already commonplace for pet owners to microchip their animals; in fact, if your dog isn't fitted with a microchip by the time it's eight weeks old, it could land you a £500 ($652) fine.
I for one welcome the move for employers to microchip and monitor our lives, and can see foresee absolutely no eventuality in which it could be a bad idea for employees. After all: war is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.
Featured Image Credit: PA