Swedish Employees Become Microchipped Cyborgs

Orange County, CA - April 7th 2017 -  The Swedish company Epicenter has begun implanting its workers with a microchip enabling employees to control devices with just a wave of their hand. This technology has previously existed in the microchipping of pets, but only recently expanded into humans. The chip is the size of a grain inserted into the hand between the thumb and pointer finger. Popular with Epicenter employees the company hosts monthly parties for those who wish to be chipped.

The chip uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which is the same technology you can find in chipped credit cards. When a chip is a few inches away from a reading device, data flows between the devices using electromagnetic waves. However, these chips are “passive” meaning they can only give information, not receive it. Self-proclaimed “body hacker” Jowan Osterlund from Biohax Sweden is the man behind the implants describing this advancement in technology as inevitable, as he believes “the next step for electronics is to move into the body.”

Patrick Mesterton, co-founder and CEO of Epicenter, had doubts prior to receiving his implant, but was swayed by the beneficial aspect of the chip’s convenience. He later commented that “It basically replaces a lot of things you have, other communication devices, whether it be credit cards or keys.” The invasion of privacy and security is at the forefront of discussion for those who oppose the implant. “Conceptually you could get data about your health, whereabouts, how often you’re working, how long you’re working, etc.” says microbiologist Ben Libberton from the Stockholm Karolinska Institute. He goes on to caution that hackers could potentially gain a plethora of information from these implants, however such information cannot be discerned until more sophisticated chips hit the market.