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Why One Man Got a Guerrilla RFID Implant

Shannon writes "One of my writers just did an interview with Amal Graafstra, who just had an RFID implant put in his hand and has been building appliances for it to simplify and automate his life... "I guess I have my own Big Brother paranoia. Given the choice of Orwellian societies, I'd rather live in one based on RFID tags than fingerprints, DNA, or facial structure; an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial recognition, well, isn't.""

348 comments

  1. Opt-out, eh? by The_REAL_DZA · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So I guess this guy just doesn't take his hand with him if he doesn't want to be tracked?

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    This space intentionally left (almost) blank.
    1. Re:Opt-out, eh? by nocomment · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I was wondering if he ever read revelations.

      --
      /* oops I accidentally made a comment, sorry */
      /* http://allyourbasearebelongto.us */
    2. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Suburbanpride · · Score: 1

      Screw the tin foil hats, how about a tin foil glove? IIRC, can't RFIDs on products be somehow deactived when you leave the store? IF there was a way to turn it off and on, this wouldn't be so bad, but I wouldn't want something that has info on my all the time, even if it is encyrpted.

      --
      sorry 'bout the mess...
    3. Re:Opt-out, eh? by pablonhd · · Score: 0

      I was thinking the same thing.

    4. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Nos. · · Score: 1

      Try reading the article. The RFID he has contains nothing but an 8 digit hex key... a unique identifier. It can only be read at most up to two inches away. The unique key is not something he is giving out or sharing (otherwise anyone could walk into his house once he has that part working).

    5. Re:Opt-out, eh? by shredswithpiks · · Score: 2, Interesting

      My thoughts exactly. The idea as a whole seems pretty cool, though. Reminds me of Mercedes' (or was it made by Lexus first? some car company's:...) key system where if you throw the keys in the trunk, the trunk won't close or lock or anything. Once you get within a few feet of the car it will unlock automatically and even start up if you have it set to. I'd rather be able to leave they keys at home, then have them surgically implanted into my hand (or left butt cheek... wherever).

    6. Re:Opt-out, eh? by saderax · · Score: 1

      Can really be tracked by a device with a range on only a few inches? I'd notice a guy following me around holding a reciever 3 inches from my hand...

    7. Re:Opt-out, eh? by shredswithpiks · · Score: 1

      Indeed. Keep in mind, though, that this is really the beginning of such a technology. Who knows what the future holds for this... pretty soon it could have your DOB, blood type, address, favorite meal. All read at a distance of up to 2 miles!!! Or maybe not. Who knows?

    8. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I was wondering if he ever read revelations.
      Of course he did, and this is why he put it in his hand. Shock value to get attention.

    9. Re:Opt-out, eh? by sTalking_Goat · · Score: 1

      Thats the craziest thing I've ever heard. Op-out? Sure if you have your surgery unit on stand-by. Wait till the start implanting it in your skull or trunk for "security reasons". Lets see your Op-Out then. Thank You, but I'll hold out for the Orwellian society of none.

      --

      My days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle...

    10. Re:Opt-out, eh? by tsalaroth · · Score: 1

      then have them surgically implanted into my hand (or left butt cheek... wherever).

      What? So you don't get locked in the trunk or something?

    11. Re:Opt-out, eh? by qwijibo · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I keep seeing references to short distances. That distance is true for a typical receiver. But why would a bad guy limit himself to the off the shelf receiver? It's not even necessary to get the thing all at once since it's a static value. Much better radio equipment in the hands of the attacker seems like it would be all it would take.

    12. Re:Opt-out, eh? by fm6 · · Score: 2, Interesting
      End time fanatics love to claim the number of the beast as a prophecy of some future Orwellian state. But in fact it was probably just a numerological reference to Nero. You add up the numerical value of the Greek letters for "Neron Kaiser" ("Emperor Nero") and you get 616. But isn't the number 666? In most current Bibles. But the people who put the Bible together had their choice of manuscripts -- and they rejected the ones that say 616.

      Referring to the current emperor as a number sounds strange. But it wouldn't have done to refer to him by name -- not if you wanted to avoid becoming lion food.

    13. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I've found that people who say things like that reveal more about themselves than those they accuse.

    14. Re:Opt-out, eh? by sumdumass · · Score: 1

      Maybe he is going in someone elses car and dwould be in more problems if he was getting locked into the trunk.

      I guess an on-off switch would be nice. You know if it catches on, people will start tracking records with it. If i can read it then i might be able to copy it. If i can copy it i can asuumme it. If i can assume it them all you bases belong to us. Kneel down before you new overlords.

    15. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Rosco+P.+Coltrane · · Score: 1

      I'd notice a guy following me around holding a reciever 3 inches from my hand...

      They could blackmail your boyfriend into having an RFID reader implanted to read yours when you walk with him hand-in-hand!

      --
      "A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
    16. Re:Opt-out, eh? by TrappedByMyself · · Score: 0, Troll

      I was wondering if he ever read revelations.

      Wow, modded Insightful. I guess the Religious Right is spreading it's will to Slashdot too.

      --

      Help me take back Slashdot. When did 'News for Nerds' become 'FUD and Conspiracy Theories for Extremist Nutjobs'?
    17. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      the number 666 is symbolic - 6 is the Biblical number of imperfection (ungodly), displaying a number three times in scripture is usually done for emphasis. Symbolically having that mark on a person would indicate that they had allegiance to man instead of God. Symbolism in Revelation is used to emphasis - not everything is literal.

    18. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How are you going to track someone with RFID? How do you know who has an RFID, and where it is? Are you going to put a method to read every conceivable body part and accessory at every location in the country, each coming in less than 2 inches from reading site?

      You'd have just as much luck trying to read his SSN from his brainwaves. Gah.

    19. Re:Opt-out, eh? by JudgeFurious · · Score: 1, Insightful

      I'm sure he did. He just recognized it for the "Fiction" that it is.

      --
      Appended to the end of comments you post. 120 chars.
    20. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, but Bluetooth is only supposed to have a range of 10 meters and you can read those from a kilometer away.

      With time and effort I think it would be relatively easy to scan this dude's hand. Heck, just make a device that looks like a doorknob and trick him into opening it.

    21. Re:Opt-out, eh? by muckdog · · Score: 1

      Very true. 802.11 was supposed to have certian range limitations however a few inventive guys with a pringles can blew that theory.

    22. Re:Opt-out, eh? by notthe9 · · Score: 1

      Tinfoil gloves, man, tinfoil gloves.

    23. Re:Opt-out, eh? by djdavetrouble · · Score: 1

      What? So you don't get locked in the trunk or something?
      You joke, but this is a real hazard in Brooklyn. I can't count the number of times the mob threw me in the trunk for being late on my gambling debts.

      --
      music lover since 1969
    24. Re:Opt-out, eh? by notthe9 · · Score: 1

      "Good job, sir... may I shake your hand?"

    25. Re:Opt-out, eh? by fluffy99 · · Score: 1

      I can see it now, thieves with readers embeded in their watch offering to shake hands with you. Probably a good reason to embed the RFID chip in your left hand, eh?

    26. Re:Opt-out, eh? by DunbarTheInept · · Score: 2, Interesting

      What's to stop someone from having a reader up their sleeve or something and shaking hands with the guy - and violla they now know his ID.

      --

      Don't label something "offtopic" unless you know the topic well enough to tell what's on topic.

    27. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Rei · · Score: 1

      But they don't display the number three times. They write xi-chi-digamma; that's how the greeks wrote six hundred sixty six.

      --
      I once listened to a Philip Glass record for an hour and a half before I realized it was skipping.
    28. Re:Opt-out, eh? by MrWarMage · · Score: 1

      Tinfoil Glove.

    29. Re:Opt-out, eh? by azuravian · · Score: 1

      I Am Not A RFID Developer, but I believe the range limitation is at least partly in the transmitter. It doesn't matter how good your receiver is, if the signal isn't transmitted 2 miles, then there is nothing for your receiver to pick up.

    30. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Patik · · Score: 1

      It's in his left hand and people shake with their right.

    31. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      SO the bad guy pretends to be left handed and offers his left hand to you to shake.

      Duh.

    32. Re:Opt-out, eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This argument is old hat. But it begs the question. Yes, 666 is a joke reference to Nero, meaning "one day, every time you buy or sell, you'll need to show Nero's seal cut into your flesh". It's a cautionary tale. Clearly this type of thing has been proposed since the Romans. So, of course Revelation stands as a prophecy - or more properly, warning - of some future Orwellian state. It's just that at the time of writing that state was 10 years away, and it's been 10 years away ever since. You don't have to be a fanatic to understand the point that's being made here.

    33. Re:Opt-out, eh? by ReelOddeeo · · Score: 1

      Wouldn't it be ironic if the very thing that makes the prophecy come true is that nobody believes it?

      What would it take to egg on large numbers of people into getting nothing more than an actual 666 tatoo just because it is all a big joke. Everyone fully aware of the prophecy. Nobody believing the prophecy.

      A fad that is in fashion. Unbelief fueling a willingness not only to get the mark, but to laugh about it while doing so.

      To make the joke even funnier, and since everyone is getting the mark, suppose we don't trade with those superstitious morons who won't get a tiny little mark.

      --

      Those who would give up liberty in exchange for security and DRM should switch to Microsoft Palladium!
  2. I, for one.... by biggyfries · · Score: 0, Redundant

    welcome our new RFID overlords.

  3. Tattoo by markmcb · · Score: 5, Funny

    I knew I shouldn't have gotten that bar code tattoo... Idiot!

    --
    Mark A. McBride -- OmniNerd.com
    1. Re:Tattoo by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Funny, but sadly I have one. I have my SSN barcoded across my right shoulder.

      man that was a mistake.

    2. Re:Tattoo by jred · · Score: 1

      I *almost* got a bar code tattoo, but I opted for binary instead :)

      Out of all my tattoos, I get asked about it the most.
      (It's the ascii for my daughter's name)

      --

      jred
      I'm not a mechanic but I play one in my garage...
    3. Re:Tattoo by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, I got the barcode before my son was born. After he was born I got his name down my left fore-arm.

    4. Re:Tattoo by c00lant · · Score: 0

      Ramona Lisa Red?

    5. Re:Tattoo by Infinite+Entropy · · Score: 1

      Cool tat, but I wanna get a DNA spiral wrapping around my leg. But I probbably won't have the courage to get it there and so will get it down my spine. And I wouldn't mind trying this RFID implant.

    6. Re:Tattoo by jred · · Score: 1

      Yah. Ramona after the Ramones' 'Beat on the Brat'. The Lisa started as a joke, but everyone liked it so it kinda stuck.

      Before you think about stalking her, remember I'm from the south & we like guns :)

      --

      jred
      I'm not a mechanic but I play one in my garage...
  4. more pron by Artie_Effim · · Score: 0

    mang, if I could implant all my pron on some kinda of device, so whenever I walked my a teevee, cell phone, computer monitor I could project pron out of my brain. Now, that would me RFID technology I could live with.

  5. That can only mean... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This person is the world's second real-life cyborg! Let's all stand in awe...

    1. Re:That can only mean... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Every person to ever have an artificial limb, hip replacement, etc, would disagree.

    2. Re:That can only mean... by Rosco+P.+Coltrane · · Score: 2, Funny

      You know what? he should have gotten the tag implanted in his p*nis: can you imagine the look on his neighbours' face when he sticks his peepee in the keyhole to open your door? That'd be priceless...

      --
      "A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
    3. Re:That can only mean... by Obfuscant · · Score: 1

      I carry the card key to the computer rooms in my wallet. I like the look on people's faces when I wave my ass at the door and it unlocks.

    4. Re:That can only mean... by Washizu · · Score: 1

      "You know what? he should have gotten the tag implanted in his p*nis: can you imagine the look on his neighbours' face when he sticks his peepee in the keyhole to open your door? That'd be priceless..."

      If it's his neighbors' reaction he's after, he doesn't need the RFID.

      --
      OddManIn: A Game of guns and game theory.
    5. Re:That can only mean... by roman_mir · · Score: 1

      Here is how you should have said it:

      Buying the RFID tag 5 bucks.
      Having a surgery to implant it 15000.
      look on your neighbours face when you stick your penis in the keyhole to open your door - priceless

    6. Re:That can only mean... by rzebram · · Score: 1

      You mean... You mean I could combine one of my favorite pastimes with the practical use of actually being able to open the door that way? Technology sure is swell...

  6. I wouldn't mind it if... by Moonlapse · · Score: 0

    it replaced the need for keys for your car, house, etc. Just wave your hand in front of the sensor, and voila!...you can get in and start the car, wipe your feet, etc. And of course, if it wasn't your car/house, laser beams would shoot out of the sensor.

    --
    - I got my free iPod and a free Nintendo DS....why not
    1. Re:I wouldn't mind it if... by cybersaga · · Score: 1

      And of course, if it wasn't your car/house, laser beams would shoot out of the sensor.

      Don't you mean "laser" beams?

    2. Re:I wouldn't mind it if... by Linker3000 · · Score: 1

      Yep, and instead of car thieves breaking into your house and stealing the keys to your expensive car, they will hack your hand off.

      --
      AT&ROFLMAO
    3. Re:I wouldn't mind it if... by StalinsNotDead · · Score: 2, Insightful

      it replaced the need for keys for your car

      What happens if you need to loan somebody your vehicle?

      --
      Thanks to the internet, we can now all die alone together! -SomeWoman
    4. Re:I wouldn't mind it if... by rdavidson3 · · Score: 1

      Just give them your hand or foot.

    5. Re:I wouldn't mind it if... by Havenwar · · Score: 1

      I have heard that argument many times to all types of biometrics, and RFID identification. But seriously, hacking limbs off is something much less people would do than stealing a couple of keys. So you have drastically reduced chanse of crime.

      Not to mention they must have the opportunity to do so, which also is less likely than the opportunity to swipe some keys.

      So in the end, this is not likely to happen. Especially with RFID tags. If anyone was this set on getting yur stuff, they would most likely just knock you out and drag you to the door, or perhaps cut out the chip. Either way, not much harm done.

    6. Re:I wouldn't mind it if... by Moonlapse · · Score: 0

      Recommend them to a cheap surgeon

      --
      - I got my free iPod and a free Nintendo DS....why not
    7. Re:I wouldn't mind it if... by u2pa · · Score: 1

      it replaced the need for keys for your car What happens if you need to loan somebody your vehicle? People will stop asking to borrow his car, when they find out they have to get one of those implants. :)

      --
      Officially: "No comments"
  7. RFID tags can be faked by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    So he has traded something unique and personal for something that can be read at a distance, copied and used freely by others. What is the advantage exactly?

    1. Re:RFID tags can be faked by MyIS · · Score: 1

      Heh, you don't think that your fingerprints can be easily copied? You must be wearing gloves all the time.

      At least if this RFID tag is compromised, he can take it out and replace it with another. Try to do that with your retinas.

      --
      http://zero-to-enterprise.blogspot.com/
    2. Re:RFID tags can be faked by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yea, a distance of 2 inches, Im pretty sure he'll know if youre copying it. Did you bother to read the article?

    3. Re:RFID tags can be faked by GreyPoopon · · Score: 4, Funny
      So he has traded something unique and personal for something that can be read at a distance, copied and used freely by others.

      "At a distance" in this case is less than two inches, although I'm sure somebody will use a Pringles can to make a reader that works at up to 1 km.

      --

      GreyPoopon
      --
      Why is it I can write insightful comments but can't come up with a clever signature?

    4. Re:RFID tags can be faked by Frank+T.+Lofaro+Jr. · · Score: 1

      Speaking of retinas, what about diabetics who have abnormal extra blood vessels grow on their retinas, people with macular degeneration, clogging of the arteries of the retina, etc. Couldn't that cause one's ID to no longer match.

      And for people with only artificial eyes? I guess one could make an imitiation retina for ID purposes then.

      --
      Just because it CAN be done, doesn't mean it should!
    5. Re:RFID tags can be faked by sumdumass · · Score: 1, Flamebait

      know i didn't read the article. but lets say i did. could i then place a reader in the top of a counter or somethign and entise your to lean against it while maybe reading somethign? or could i place the reader in the backseat of a taxi cab and give you a ride to work when yuou realize you tires are flat?

      Could i place a reader on a prositute and have here seduce you? "2 inches" seems like it would be a little more secure but could possibly cuase more scnearios becuase you not thinking of how it can be exploited.

    6. Re:RFID tags can be faked by Lumpy · · Score: 1

      I can read rfid access badges from 4 feet away.
      takes a tiony bit of electronics to do so. but generating that large of a power field sucks up juice. I can certianly read it from 12 inches which is easily obtainable while walking past in the hallway.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    7. Re:RFID tags can be faked by modecx · · Score: 1

      You see, you do need the pringles can, but for a different reason.

      All you have to do is place an RFID reader in the Pringles can, become friends with him, and offer the guy some marijuana.. Since he totally looks like he dopes up once in a while (or at the very least might not be afraid to try it)... You've got him.

      When he gets the munchies, you offer him your booby trapped Pringles. What pothead can resist Pringles? None! This is what we call "pwnt".

      --
      Constitutional rights may be respected, repealed, or modified; but they must never be ignored.
    8. Re:RFID tags can be faked by cp.tar · · Score: 1
      although I'm sure somebody will use a Pringles can to make a reader that works at up to 1 km.

      Well, we might be safe... Anyone seen MacGyver lately?

      --
      Ignore this signature. By order.
    9. Re:RFID tags can be faked by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Interesting. "flaimbait" for making known that the implied 2 inchs isn't as secure as it is thought to be.

    10. Re:RFID tags can be faked by limon.verde · · Score: 1
      It depends on which kind of RFID it is. Some tag systems (regular radio, like EZ Pass) can be read at a distance, though your power needs go up with the square of the double of the distance (power beam one way, signal the other).

      Magnetic coupling devices (I think contactless subway passes and IDs are like this), on the other hand, are much more complicated to read at a distance, as the field works only at a distance of a small fraction of the wavelength of the read signal.

      You will be able to read any of these, but some kinds of tags will be much harder than just getting a can of Pringles.

    11. Re:RFID tags can be faked by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      if this RFID tag is compromised, he can take it out and replace it with another.

      Hmm. I wonder...

      He has too much to drink, and passes out (or is drugged). He wakes up, sore all over, in an alley. Little does he know his RFID chip was switched while he was passed out. He goes to the nearest police station to get help (naturally thinking he was mugged and beaten up while drunk), only to be arrested as a notorious drug dealer.

      OR

      I walk into a bank and claim to be him. THey check my RFID and it doesn't match their records. "Oh, It was compromised, so I changed it." "Okay, Mr. Jones. Let us update our records..."

  8. The drawback is by Timesprout · · Score: 5, Funny

    the store detectives in walmart keep stopping him because they think he registers as a case of beer.

    --
    Do not try to read the dupe, thats impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth
    What truth?
    There is no dupe
    1. Re:The drawback is by conteXXt · · Score: 1

      Damn!!! Y'all's Walmarts sell beer?

      That's it I am leaving Canada for Jesusland as soon as I take back my empties.

      (yes I am kidding, mostly)

      --
      The truth about Led Zep should never be told on /. (Karma suicide ensues)
    2. Re:The drawback is by Frank+T.+Lofaro+Jr. · · Score: 0, Troll

      Jesusland? Is that what you call the USA?

      We've been (unfortunately) trying to stamp every mention or acknowledgement of God out of public life every chance we get for quite a number of years now.

      --
      Just because it CAN be done, doesn't mean it should!
    3. Re:The drawback is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yeah right. office of faith based initiatives ring any bells ?

    4. Re:The drawback is by mule007 · · Score: 0

      Screw walmart..

      Newfoundland is where its at, because we can buy beer at any corner store/gas station/etc.

      Why make a trip across town when you just need to go down the street :)

    5. Re:The drawback is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Damn!!! Y'all's Walmarts sell beer?

      That's it I am leaving Canada for Jesusland as soon as I take back my empties.

      (yes I am kidding, mostly)


      Actually, they sell coloured water disguised as "beer". Real beer starts at 8%...
      --
      AC

    6. Re:The drawback is by mule007 · · Score: 0

      Oops... meant to attach that to the comment referencing "Jesusland"

    7. Re:The drawback is by Monkelectric · · Score: 1
      The "Super Centers" sell *EVERYTHING*. Automotive, groceries, electronics, clothes, pharmacy, housewares, furniture, tools, sports equipment, arts/crafts. Most even have optometry depts. There have been rumors for years that walmart has plans to open banks and possibly auto-dealerships (which would be good -- those industries are in DIRE need of a shakeup).

      It would all be very convienant if *EVERYTHING* in there wasn't complete shit. Walmart places such tight constraints on its suppliers to provide goods at low prices that even *name brand* items may be different at walmart. Ever bought Ghiradhelli choclate? Its ok choclate at the super market, at walmart its waxy crap.

      --

      Religion is a gateway psychosis. -- Dave Foley

    8. Re:The drawback is by conteXXt · · Score: 1

      cost?

      See Walmart is known for being low-cost. Gas stations, convenience stores,etc, well I am sure you have seen the $10 pack of smokes (after 11) in NFLD too (just like Ontario).

      --
      The truth about Led Zep should never be told on /. (Karma suicide ensues)
    9. Re:The drawback is by Brushfireb · · Score: 1

      Your use of "unfortunately" either implies that you would rather KEEP god in public life or that we havent been doing a very good job. If its the latter, I agree, and please kindly ignore the rest of this post.

      If it is the former, however :

      The reason we have been trying to "stamp every mention or acknowledgement of God" out of public society is that because (A) - not everyone believes in God, and (B) - God isnt a public matter, its private.

      Who/What/When/How/Why you worship some invisible friend(s) is none of my business, and as such, should be none of the governments business, or anyone else in society -- provided you arent sacrificing children or something. The like is true for Who/What/When/How/Why I do or do not worship.

      Please _insert_deity_name_ tell me you are kidding.

    10. Re:The drawback is by conteXXt · · Score: 1

      I would guess that it is waxy DUE TO the cost controls.

      But let's face it, after the first couple of beers, does it REALLY matter what brand, flavour, taste, toxicity it is? C'mon man we are talking beer here, not cannabis.

      --
      The truth about Led Zep should never be told on /. (Karma suicide ensues)
    11. Re:The drawback is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They already do have Banks inside them as well as some have auto dealerships already. The car dealerships are just an experiment though.

    12. Re:The drawback is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Would something like this set an airport metal detector off? That seems like it might be a problem, "well you see, I have a chip implanted in my hand..."

    13. Re:The drawback is by rmccann · · Score: 1

      Perfect! Pretty soon the guards will know it's that freak with the chip, so just wave him through. That's when you sneak out a crate of beer.

    14. Re:The drawback is by Thud457 · · Score: 1

      Once they start renting out cubicles with computers and toilets, you'll never have to leave!

      --

      the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

    15. Re:The drawback is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, have fun using rational arguments with religious people...

    16. Re:The drawback is by fatcatman · · Score: 1

      Who/What/When/How/Why you worship some invisible friend(s) is none of my business

      That's right.

      This means if my child wants to wear a cross on a necklace to school, it's none of your business.

      If she wants to pray with her friends in front of the flagpole before class, and even organize a prayer group amongst classmates to do so, it's none of your business.

      If a judge wants the 10 Commandments displayed in his courtroom, it's none of your business.

      If the folks down at city hall want to put up a Christmas tree, it's none of your business.

      So please, do us all a favor: Stop telling us Who/What/When/How/Why we can worship. As you say, it's none of your business. You don't have any rights when it comes to not seeing things you don't like.

    17. Re:The drawback is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Explain how order came from chaos. Without violating the second law of thermodynamics. Or having a God who is in charge of all. Explain how something came from nothing. Where did matter, energy, space and time come from? Answer that and tell me where that came from. Ad inifinitum. There must be a First Cause. That First Cause must be God or a divine act.

      OK, so you define God as "that which is unknown/mysterious to us". They've been doing that ever since Apollo the Sun-God raced his chariot across the sky, and even before that.

      Atheism just doesn't make any sense.

      By that, you mean you don't understand it. How about Faith--by definition it's not supposed to make "sense".

      You should pray to God. Pray He make Himself known

      OK, this is where religious people start to get loony. Your attempt to point out so many unknown things fails miserably to even come close to proving this. You shouldn't even try to represent it that way. Sorry, the only thing that "proves" you "should pray to God" is a text written back when "journalistic integrity" was a concept not yet created. If it wasn't for that text, you would not be saying those things today. I'd say the burden of proof is on you. Where's the proof that people lived to the ripe old age of 600?

    18. Re:The drawback is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      (posting as AC to preserve my mods)
      This means if my child wants to wear a cross on a necklace to school, it's none of your business.

      Agreed.

      If she wants to pray with her friends in front of the flagpole before class, and even organize a prayer group amongst classmates to do so, it's none of your business.

      Agreed.

      If a judge wants the 10 Commandments displayed in his courtroom, it's none of your business.

      WTF!!!

      Back the pony up here. It's not his courtroom, it's mine, as a taxpayer.

      And when the judge chooses to display a judeo-christian-muslim icon in a place of judgement, then I as a hindu (for the sake of argument; substitute sikh, buddhist, native american great spiritian, etc.) know that I am a stranger in a strange land, and have no hope of being judged by my peers.

      Just as well to put up a sign saying "All hope abandon, ye different-believers who enter here."

      This is absolutely my business.

      If the folks down at city hall want to put up a Christmas tree, it's none of your business.

      Since a Christmas tree has about as much relevance to religion as dentist-elf, agreed.

    19. Re:The drawback is by scottp1296 · · Score: 1

      Argument from First Cause is a common logical fallacy. Look up: Fallacy of Equivocation.

    20. Re:The drawback is by fatcatman · · Score: 1

      It's not his courtroom, it's mine, as a taxpayer.

      See, that's where you're confused. It's not your courtroom. Yeah, you helped pay for it, but that doesn't make it yours.

      Do you get to decide what paintings to put on the wall?
      Do you get to decide the arrangement of the furniture?
      The color of the carpet?
      Choice of lighting fixtures?

      No? So what makes you think you can decide what, if any, religious symbols can be put in there?

      Just as well to put up a sign saying "All hope abandon, ye different-believers who enter here."

      That's ridiculous.

      If a Christian judge is going to disobey our laws and constitution, and judge you harshly because you are different, do you really think preventing him from displaying a simple religious document is going to change that?

    21. Re:The drawback is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Does the judge get to decide what paintings to put on the wall?
      Does the judge get to decide the arrangement of the furniture?
      The color of the carpet?
      Choice of lighting fixtures?

      No? So what makes you think the judge can decide what, if any, religious symbols can be put in there?

    22. Re:The drawback is by 6th+time+lucky · · Score: 1

      I got a bad image from that...

      Walmart pr0n stores?

    23. Re:The drawback is by Brushfireb · · Score: 1


      As another poster pointed out, you have several logical fallacies imbeddedin your response, and many irellevant topics. My points in my post was not to debate with you whether God exists or not, but whether God should be involved in political matters.

      Why would God (lets assume He/She/Them/It exists and is omnipotent, etc) care about the silly political squabblings of different people? Or alternatively, Why should people care whether other people follow God's rules/beliefs/etc when in public -- wont god judge me/them when I get to heaven/hell/purgutory/enlightenment?

      The point was, and still is, if you want to worship god -- fine, do it. I could care less. But dont force me to. And dont make me pay for it (ie putting stuff up using public funds in public places). What you do in your backyard is fine.

      I will also say this (I dont really mean it to sound derogatory, only honest) : It scares me that you vote and procreate. Im not saying you shouldnt be able to, but that doesnt mean I like it. I imagine you likely feel the same about me.

    24. Re:The drawback is by Frank+T.+Lofaro+Jr. · · Score: 1

      You can always move to Antarctica.

      No mention of God, no taxes, no one will put you down for being an atheist.

      --
      Just because it CAN be done, doesn't mean it should!
    25. Re:The drawback is by Brushfireb · · Score: 1

      Thanks for confirming my opinion of you.

  9. What Happens in the RFID gets demagnetized/errased by Shaolas · · Score: 0, Troll

    I can see locking yourself out of your home, car, bank account, office... Just think of the pain in the ass it is now to get a new or temp ID card at most places

  10. Yeah right by metlin · · Score: 4, Insightful

    an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt out of

    Hahaha! So you think - until it becomes absolutely mandatory and illegal for you to remove them.

    Or -- imagine -- systems which would just not function without an RFID implant, or harm you if you do not have one.

    What would you do then?

    Get over it, you're slowly losing all the privacy you once had. It's one of the prices we are paying for certain advancements (and obvious advantages).

    Whether or not you choose to have them - that would be your choice, at the moment. However, you really may not have the ability to make that choice a while from now.

    1. Re:Yeah right by Sperryfreak01 · · Score: 1

      Yeaaaaa mann dont Let the MAN brainwash wou in to thinking that those chips are all kosher man. Thats what the MAN wants you to think. Wait never mind I am a lazy computer nerd who would rather have the lights come on when I walk in the door and dont care if the MAN knows about. Bring on the chips both potato and RFID.

    2. Re:Yeah right by slavemowgli · · Score: 3, Insightful

      It actually doesn't even have to be mandatory to be practically impossible to opt out of. Just try doing things like flying or booking a hotel room or similar things without photo ID today - it's hardly possible.

      --
      quidquid latine dictum sit altum videtur.
    3. Re:Yeah right by igny · · Score: 1

      ...is easy to manage and opt out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial recognition, well, isn't.

      Actually, you can opt out of the facial recognition with our patented tin foil ski mask.

      --
      In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. - Yogi Berra
    4. Re:Yeah right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Name one advantage of losing your privacy, include proof of said advantage. Without spewing the current White House rhetoric, please.

    5. Re:Yeah right by thedustbustr · · Score: 1
      Or -- imagine -- systems which would just not function without an RFID implant, or harm you if you do not have one.

      Doesn't take much imagination for me... Does ActiveX ring a bell?
      --
      This sig is false.
    6. Re:Yeah right by shredswithpiks · · Score: 1

      Read: Hobbes's Contractarianism. You give up certain rights to be protected (actually... "escape the state of nature").

    7. Re:Yeah right by metlin · · Score: 1

      RFID tagged tools for disabled people, parents knowing where their children are, trackers which can help doctors see how their patients are doing, helping me finding my car keys - I could go on.

      In fact, one of my classmates did a project on helping blind people get around doing their daily jobs using RFID tags. My school has a project called Aware Home, which is basically the idea of a home that can monitor the inhabitants - this combined with RFID tags can accomplish some pretty cool things.

    8. Re:Yeah right by Rosco+P.+Coltrane · · Score: 1

      Hahaha! So you think - until it becomes absolutely mandatory and illegal for you to remove them.

      Well, there's always tin-foil gloves. A bit like the shiny pointy hat you have on your head, ya know...

      --
      "A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of" - Ogden Nash
    9. Re:Yeah right by sumdumass · · Score: 1

      hmm.. motion sensors? timed delay switch conected to the keylock? open the door and the lights come on for 3 minutes?

      s eems that might be chreaper then riging it all to rdif readers too.

    10. Re:Yeah right by korbin_dallas · · Score: 1

      Oh yeah opt out. Sure. Let me write you a personal check for that. Oh wait, did you notice that in Jan 2005 80% of the retail outlets posted signs "No Personal Checks"

      Soon, they'll post NO CASH..Electronic Transactions Only. Then try to opt out.

      "Leelu Dallas Multipass"

      --
      They Live, We Sleep
    11. Re:Yeah right by chiph · · Score: 1

      So you think - until it becomes absolutely mandatory and illegal for you to remove them.

      If it ever becomes extremely necessary for me to remove an RFID implant, well, I own a pocketknife, and I'll be motivated to use it.

      Chip H.

    12. Re:Yeah right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      as luck would have it, you do NOT need RFID tags to make explosives...

      worth being aware of, is all.....

    13. Re:Yeah right by FrostyWheaton · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Just remember, the technology that lets you keep tabs on your kids, lets Joe Random Paedophile keep tabs on them as well.

      --
      Comments should be like skirts. Short enough to keep your attention, but long enough to cover the subject
    14. Re:Yeah right by metlin · · Score: 1

      Joe Random Paedophile is going to keep tabs on them anyway, technology or not.

      Atleast this way, I can know who else is keeping tabs on them, and that someone is also keeping tabs on Joe Random.

      I'd gladly agree, IMHO.

    15. Re:Yeah right by Seumas · · Score: 1

      Or until you're required to take an implant in order to get a driver's license or state identification card. Or until ATMs only function if you have a tag in you. There are many businesses today which refuse to accept cash. It's only a matter of time before we truly become cashless. Once we do, you may need to "opt in" for that tag to do anything related to identifying yourself or engaging in any sort of transaction - be it paying for your coffee in the morning, paying cab fare, tipping your waitress, buying a book, getting a newspaper, getting a pack of condoms, filling up your gas tank, registering at a university and paying for tuition... You name it.

    16. Re:Yeah right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't forget you'll need a career chip to get a job.

    17. Re:Yeah right by 2short · · Score: 1


      "Does ActiveX ring a bell?"

      No. ActiveX does not ring a bell. It is software, and while it might simulate a ringing bell using your sound card, to actually ring a bell would require specialized hardware most systems are not equipped with.

    18. Re:Yeah right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      He said, "harm you if you do not have one."

    19. Re:Yeah right by thedustbustr · · Score: 1
      "systems which would just not function without [ActiveX]"

      kids these days..

      --
      This sig is false.
    20. Re:Yeah right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      London Underground use a smartcard ticketing system. You register your name, address, postcode and last 5 sexual partners with the train companies before they'll issue you with one.

      The kicker is, that annual tickets (which are quite alot cheaper) are -only- issued on smart cards. Paper tickets are simply no longer available for alot of the fares.

  11. What about jewelry instead? by PxM · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Instead of going with a permanent implant, why not just get a stylish gold ring or watch or other thing with an RFID chip? I never take off my watch so it would give me almost the same functionality. Or maybe a false fingernail or something that is semipermament. This allows me to opt out without having to cut myself open.

    --
    Want a free Nintendo DS, GC, PS2, Xbox. (you only need 4 referrals)
    Wired article as proof

    1. Re:What about jewelry instead? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      The thing is, they didn't even HAVE to cut him open...
      Sure, it was actually rather simple. Normally, the RFID chip is implanted with a needle and syringe and is as simple as a swab of anesthetic, inject, band-aid, done. However, we couldn't find a needle 2mm in size in stock, so we resorted to a scalpel.
      That looks like a pretty mean cut, I mean was it really so urgent that he couldn't wait for them to restock the appropriate needle? Sheesh.
    2. Re:What about jewelry instead? by pentalive · · Score: 5, Funny

      Stickem up! Gimmie your cash! Now!
      Oh and I'll take that Nice Watch too.

    3. Re:What about jewelry instead? by DrEldarion · · Score: 1

      Easy. Because then theft also becomes identity theft.

    4. Re:What about jewelry instead? by philntc · · Score: 1

      ah yes... hindsight, 20-20, and all that good stuff.

      You should probably be standing by when he decides to extract the thing with a bottle of JD and dull thumbtack...

    5. Re:What about jewelry instead? by jred · · Score: 1

      Ah, you don't need the JD. Well, I guess you *might*, I always used a paperclip and never needed anything for pain...

      --

      jred
      I'm not a mechanic but I play one in my garage...
    6. Re:What about jewelry instead? by Ripley29 · · Score: 1

      The answer to this is simple:
      Because if it was in jewellery, this guy would not get his name in the news.

    7. Re:What about jewelry instead? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I wondered that myself, given how cheap iButtons are. Several mounting options are also available.

    8. Re:What about jewelry instead? by Sp1n3rGy · · Score: 0, Troll

      This article is from BMEzine (Body Modification Ezine). These guys get off on cutting themselves. They don't need a good reason.

    9. Re:What about jewelry instead? by Prometheus+Bob · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Stickem up! Gimmie your cash! Now! Oh and I'll take that Nice RIGHT HAND too.

    10. Re:What about jewelry instead? by Nermal6693 · · Score: 1

      Instead of being a watch, it could be something of very little value, and therefore much less likely to be stolen. Something like this only costs a few dollars.

    11. Re:What about jewelry instead? by Total_Wimp · · Score: 1

      Or maybe a false fingernail or something that is semipermament.

      Can I pick the finger? When the tag becomes mandatory, I know just which finger I want to use.

      TW

    12. Re:What about jewelry instead? by Matt_Joyce · · Score: 1


      I agree, if someone wants that implant, it going to hurt, but they will get it.

      Also, it can be copied.
      I mean, just how easy would it be to get the tag id and copy it.

      Having a short range is not a defence, the whole point is he want to use it, therefore other systems must be told about it.

      I think products like this have more potential.
      http://www.maxim-ic.com/products/ibutton/

      That said, I applaud his 'just do it' attitude.
      Though, these are basically the same things that I have impanted in to my cats, so really there is little risk.

      Why is implanting into a human so news worthy, lab animals have these tags implanted all the time, and taken out and resused too.

    13. Re:What about jewelry instead? by pentalive · · Score: 1

      Unless the crooks start taking even the cheap objects to get the RFIDs

      Crook: Ok stip nekkid and put it in the bag!

  12. Easy to opt out = obsolete by Patik · · Score: 3, Interesting

    If it's easy to opt out of a system of identification, then no one who is serious will use that system. If your gov't wants to track your movements (or whatever you think you're up against) they're not going to use easily-circumvented RFIDs, they'll use biometrics.

    1. Re:Easy to opt out = obsolete by nytes · · Score: 1

      It may be easy to opt out of a system, but what happens when stores decide (on their own) that the front door won't open unless the customer is carrying the proper ID?

      Yeah, you can opt out, but suddenly everyone else opts out of doing business with you. (Sounds like the springboard for an "In Soviet Russia..." joke.)

      --
      -- I have monkeys in my pants.
  13. Parent NOT safe for work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Thanks for the warning, ASSHOLE

    1. Re:Parent NOT safe for work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Asshole? You saw godaddy and you clicked on the link anyway! Whose the asshole now.

      - Moomin

    2. Re:Parent NOT safe for work by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      While almost anybody (well, anybody who watched the Superbowl this year...) would recognize the DOMAIN "godaddy" as not necessarily being "safe for work", the "gorillamask.net" doesn't exactly advertise the fact that some/all of their content might be frowned-upon by the PHB's of the world (and anybody can have a page named "godaddy"...)

      I'd say he/she was naive in clicking on the link, but you really should have been at least as sporting as a rattlesnake and pointed out the fact that gorillamask.net doesn't exactly serve up Mary Poppins...

  14. Face recognition? by Sukael · · Score: 1

    But that's what plastic surgery is for, isn't it?

  15. Lesser of two evils? by ChaosCube · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Now, I didn't read the article, but it seems to me that using a lesser of two evils argument isn't always the answer. Sometimes the right answer is just "no".

    --
    BDR Gear
    Outdoor gear, MREs, and more!
  16. Until... by varmittang · · Score: 3, Funny

    Until someone catches your RFID tag info, and steals your identity.....again.

    --
    -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
    12345
    -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
  17. Ideal... by Tribbin · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Ideal for people that rather have their hand cut off and being stolen instead of only being stolen.

    --
    If you mod this up, your slashdot background will turn into a beautiful sunset!
  18. FAQ by th1ckasabr1ck · · Score: 5, Informative
    FAQ from his website

    Q: can't they track you?!
    A: no. the read range is only 2 inches max. even with a high powered reader, the chip itself does not have the capability to transmit farther than a couple inches tops. this makes it very difficult to scan my RFID chip without me noticing, and it's definitely not possible to scan it just by me walking by a sensor or something. It has to be pretty deliberate.

    Q: what about GPS?!
    A: no. there is currently no implantable GPS technology. none. there are very oversized watches you can wear that do support GPS tracking, but they look like a dick tracy watch on steroids.

    Q: is all your information on there?!
    A: no. as stated above, there is only an 8 character unique code.. like 48e9s18f for example. the chip is read-only (you can't change the data on it) and what it does or what that string of characters means depends on what system is scanning it. the system I'm creating will use that string to ID me and let me in my house, my car, or log me into my computer. if you have your cats or dogs tagged with a chip, they too only carry a unique code, and the animal's information is stored in a central database. hospitals are looking to use this technology in the arms of people to link a person's ID with their medical records in the computer system. The medical data won't, at this time, be stored on the chip itself as many fear.

    Q: are you crazy?!
    A: sure, why not.

    Q: what about the mark of the beast!?
    A: well, last time I checked, this chip wasn't required, I won't be killed for not having one, I don't need it to buy/sell things, and with billions of unique ID codes (numbers and letters), I don't see how each unique code could be calculated in some way to 666. bottom line, if this ever becomes an oppressive technology, required by some government, I can simply take it out.

    - Revelation 13:16 - And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.
    - Revelation 13:17 - And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
    - Revelation 13:18 - Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (666)

    Q: how big is the implant?
    A: it's 12mm long by 2mm in diameter.

    Q: why the hand, and your left hand to boot?
    A: well, I reach for my car door handle with my left hand, and I can get used to opening my front door with my left as well. plus, being right handed, my left hand is far less likely to get crushed, mutilated, or otherwise damaged... and I'm sure granules of crushed glass, silicon, and other metals could cause health complications, aside from having a crushed hand.

    Q: did you do it yourself?
    A: hell no. a client of mine is a doctor and we traded services.

    Q: is this a hoax?
    A: come on, I have better things to do than make things up. Here's a quick video I took with my crappy pentax digital camera, showing basic operation. A friend converted it to a much smaller standard QuickTime file for me. Here's a large, high res picture of the implant site as of 03-24-2005 4:00pm PST.

    Q: I have questions, how can I contact you?
    A: you have to pass a test first. don't worry, it's easy. take the domain name of this website, remove the top level domain, replace the period with an @ sign, then type the name of the greek god of dreams, followed by the letters "inc", and then place a period and the letters "com". if you can figure that out, you pass the test.

    1. Re:FAQ by iggymanz · · Score: 1

      I think with a supercooled quantum detector and highly directional antennae the effective scanning range could be quite a bit more than two inches

    2. Re:FAQ by there_can_be_only_on · · Score: 1

      "Q: can't they track you?!" "A: no. the read range is only 2 inches max. even with a high powered reader, the chip itself does not have the capability to transmit farther than a couple inches tops. this makes it very difficult to scan my RFID chip without me noticing, and it's definitely not possible to scan it just by me walking by a sensor or something. It has to be pretty deliberate."

      Next will be the descrete RFID reader magnetic loop that goes in you palm....Then all you have to do is shake hands....

    3. Re:FAQ by qwijibo · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I think someone with a knowledge of radio equipment, antennas, and motive to spend the money on those things would be able to extend the range. Even a range of 5-10 feet would be adequate for an attacker. Taking several attempts at reading the chip would make it pretty easy to reconstruct the number.

    4. Re:FAQ by neafevoc · · Score: 1

      Maybe that's why he implanted it into his left hand and not his right hand since you traditionally shake hands with your right hand... (at least here in the US).

    5. Re:FAQ by khrtt · · Score: 3, Informative

      You need to transmit enough power to the chip to bring up its transmitter. Low-frequency tags use a 125kHz magnetic field for that. The field is transmitted by a coil antenna in the reader. The transmitter replies by modulating the field, i.e. by connecting a resistor across its little antenna coil. This modulation is very feeble.

      Since a reasonably sized 125 kHz magnetic antenna could hardly be made directional, for long range scanning you'd need to create a strong and large field with a large high-power coil, but then you couldn't detect the modulation reliably. A small low-power reader coil in direct proximity of the chip has a much better S/N ratio, but it has to be close to the chip to work.

      In other words, it would be very difficult to create a long-range reader, for technical reasons.

    6. Re:FAQ by markana · · Score: 3, Insightful

      >Q: can't they track you?!
      >A: no. the read range is only 2 inches max. even

      *Your* read range is 2 inches - I'll bet a bit of tweaked hardware can extend it to multiple feet. If I pass near you with a reader in my coat pocket, I'll get your tag #. Then I can spoof it, and enjoy the same physical access you do.

      >with a high powered reader, the chip itself does
      >not have the capability to transmit farther than
      >a couple inches tops. this makes it very
      >difficult to scan my RFID chip without me
      >noticing, and it's definitely not possible to scan
      >it just by me walking by a sensor or something.
      >It has to be pretty deliberate.

      Wanna bet? *You* might not be a target right *now* (too obscure), but wait until lots of people are carrying RFID'd stuff. Then it's worth the effort. It'll be just like wardriving.

      Then again, you've just raised your profile enough that it might tempt someone near you to try and hack your system. Just for the cred - are you sure you can engineer it securely enough?

      >Q: what about the mark of the beast!?
      >A: well, last time I checked, this chip wasn't
      >required, I won't be killed for not having one, I

      Not yet, anyway...

      >don't need it to buy/sell things, and with

      Ever try to travel without a credit card? You can't buy an airline ticket, reserve a hotel room, rent a car, or a number of other things without using a CC. Oh, it *might* be possible in some cases, but those are getting rarer and rarer.

      >billions of unique ID codes (numbers and
      >letters), I don't see how each unique code could
      >be calculated in some way to 666. bottom line, if

      They don't have to. In fact, you'd want the tag to be very unique to the person. But the very *act* of agreeing to such an implant could be used as a loyalty test.

      >this ever becomes an oppressive technology,
      >required by some government, I can simply take it
      >out.

      Really? You're applying today's legalities to tomorrow, which is always tricky.

      A cashless economy based on implanted RFID tags has, on the surface, a lot of positives. Theft would be a lot harder. Not impossible, but harder (at least compared to stealing cash or credit cards). And convenient - no more forgetting your checkbook at the supermarket. Stores will love it - no robberies (no cash on hand), and complete tracking of individual purchases.

      Governments will love it also. Buying patterns could be mined for potential anti-establishment patterns. Assuming a central authorization system(s) somewhere (needed to prevent fraud, you see), a dissident could become a non-person at the touch of a button. Put this in a global government, and there would be nowhere to run. Total control, on a scale impossible before computers and global networking.

      The best part of all is that taking a tag doesn't have to be legally mandated. If you can't buy food without one, that'll be incentive enough to "volunteer". Use PR to associate the tags with some social or patriotic feeling ("All *good* citizens have the chip - why don't you?"). That way, peer pressure will take care of most of the casual resisters. The rest can be left to starve or try to survive on the fringes of society.

    7. Re:FAQ by qwijibo · · Score: 1

      Thanks for that summary of how it works. That does seem like it would be considerably harder to grab the info than a typical low output transmitter.

    8. Re:FAQ by solios · · Score: 1

      Revelation 13:17 - And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

      Well, we're still working on the implants; but credit cards, debit cards, the whole PIN interface-to-money thing definitely covers the rest.

      Of course, we're still in the "BUT IT MAKES MY LIFE EASIER!!!" stage. It'll be quite awhile before we're a completely cashless society.... at which point implants will start to seem like a good idea.

      (RFID locks would be INCREDIBLY handy for some people- I had a roommate who forgot her keys at least once a week, often twice- even more when she was stressed out.)

    9. Re:FAQ by iggymanz · · Score: 1

      suppose the target was somewhere midway between a coil antenna and a detector? or maybe even a common mode rejection amp fed by multiple receivers placed on an arc a fixed distance from the coil?

  19. This guy is a tool by Eric(b0mb)Dennis · · Score: 2, Funny

    Hahaha when RFID implants are a normal occurance, I, for one, can't wait for the RFID Sniper Rifle

    Deliver a SHOCKING suprise up to 500 feet away! Fun for the whole family

    --
    Excuse me, I don't mean to impose, but I am the ocean
  20. Commence paranoia! by DarthVeda · · Score: 0, Redundant

    So where do I sign up for the mark of the beast and the rest of revelation to unfold...

  21. Opt Out? by pentalive · · Score: 1

    If you can opt out by removing the RFID device (perhaps with a knife) the your identity can be too easily stolen (perhaps with a knife).

    On the other hand If you use something insintric, like DNA, and your identity gets stolen, you can't replace it. (Ways and methods of stealing a DNA based identity is left as an excercise for the reader)

    The best solution is "NO BIG BROTER"

    1. Re:Opt Out? by TubeSteak · · Score: 1
      Actually, the best solution is "NO BIG BROTHER"

      Its only a matter of time before someone cuts this guy's hand off and robs his house

      Why else do you think gov't officials in the movies stopped handcuffing briefcases to their wrists? In real life, thieves found it easier to saw off your hand than to saw through the cuffs. Now they use braided steel cable.

      --
      [Fuck Beta]
      o0t!
    2. Re:Opt Out? by pentalive · · Score: 1

      So, the braided steel cable is easier to cut than a wrist.

    3. Re:Opt Out? by TubeSteak · · Score: 1
      actually yes
      you can snip through the cable without to much trouble

      Handcuffs require bolt cutters (bulky and not terribly stealth)
      or a hacksaw (veeeery slow)

      A good saw will quickly cut through bone and be lightweight/compact.

      But hey, its his hand

      --
      [Fuck Beta]
      o0t!
  22. Unnecessary surgery by Monkelectric · · Score: 4, Interesting

    My first thought (as a diabetic) is, what a wonderful opportunity to die of an infection :)

    --

    Religion is a gateway psychosis. -- Dave Foley

    1. Re:Unnecessary surgery by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Seriously? Working in a kitchen and accidently nipping your finger with a knife is a deadly threat to a diabetic? I had no idea. Because if it isn't, I think you're seriously overestimating the amount of effort that goes in to implanting one of these things.

    2. Re:Unnecessary surgery by dr_dank · · Score: 1

      This morning I woke up refreshed, opened the window to a beautiful day, took in some fresh air, and thought what a great opportunity today was to die of an infection.

      It's good to see another like-minded optimist.

      --
      Where does the school board find them and why do they keep sending them to ME?
    3. Re:Unnecessary surgery by Thundertje · · Score: 1

      Well it isn't a deadly threat, it would be pretty bad if a little cut/hole/infection could kill you as a diabetic since you have to inject insuline 4 times a day with a needle. Plus if your a 'fresh' diabetic you'll have to test your blood 7 (!) times a day by punching a hole in your finger.

      Grandpa is overreacting ;)

    4. Re:Unnecessary surgery by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think it is just the general thought that the doctor usually doesn't want the diabetic getting an infection in the first place, although reading what they did in this case, I don't really see a high chance for infection.

      It is just a pain to control blood sugars when you get sick.

    5. Re:Unnecessary surgery by qleak · · Score: 1

      Or if that doesn't kill you, your stump may get infected after some local thug amputates your hand to steal your implant :-P fun fun

    6. Re:Unnecessary surgery by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      What the fuck does your diabetes have to do with the risk of infection?? Nothing! Being one myself, I can tell you that diabetics are no more or less at risk of infections or diseases than the average person.

      Stop spreading misinformation moron!

      (And if you're that afraid of dying from a little infection, You should really identify yourself as a hypochondriac wuss, not a diabetic).

  23. Heh, he beat me to it... by Havenwar · · Score: 1

    I've been thinking about that actually. It could be cool to have teh house "recognize" its owner and automatically tuirn on and off lighting and heat and alarms and stuff. and unlock doors.

    Lots of cool appliances.

    Now I just need an RFID tag, and that "do it yourself surgeon" kit.

    1. Re:Heh, he beat me to it... by EGaming · · Score: 1

      You're the reason America is so fat. I'm kidding, but really, when do we stop going the gym and start getting exercise from life (OFF TOPIC ALERT).

      My off topic alert went on, so: My point is: do the "benefits" of being digitally identifiable really outweigh the insignificant seconds it takes to turn on lights or unlock your doors?

    2. Re:Heh, he beat me to it... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I wonder how many magnetic strip sensors he sets off when he goes to the mall.

    3. Re:Heh, he beat me to it... by Havenwar · · Score: 2

      I'm the reason america is so fat? Wow. All my friends here in Sweden will love me for it, cause none of them is too fond of america.

      Still, I do see your point, as I am overweight myself. I spent a few years living in a small oneroom apartement in the middle of the city, never had to go more than about 100 yards max for whatever I ever wanted... That causes some severe overweight after a while. Now I live on a farm instead, take long walks with the dog every day, and of course the kilos just keep dropping.

      But I must say, that turnign keys and flipping lightswitches is not exactly the kind of exercize that would help people loose wight, or stay slim.

      Its taking thr stairs instead of the elevator, walking the two miles to the shop instead of taking the car, and then carrying your groceries home the same distance... These things will help anyone loose weight. Flicking the light on and off wont...

    4. Re:Heh, he beat me to it... by Havenwar · · Score: 1

      Just as many as someone with piercings or a cellphone or keys, or...

    5. Re:Heh, he beat me to it... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, not doing excercise won't make you fat, eating in excess will. If you don't do excercise you will be weak, and of course you'll need less energy, but fat doesn't come out of nowhere. Most geeks I know are actually thin (and weaklings, of course).

  24. Not usings biometrics causes more problems... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "I'd rather live in one based on RFID tags than fingerprints, DNA, or facial structure; an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial recognition, well, isn't"

    I can copy an RFID tag and be you on paper, anywhere as there's no tangible link between you the being and you the RFID tag.

    I can also copy you, clone you, break the RFID system by causing so much noice that no one knows who the real you is, so you become anonymous again.

    Also, why an opt out over a given ID? As far as I'm concerned, any government agency, police force, company etc. should possess the technology to ID me as I am. It is not my job to carry a card around for this purpose.

    It is also not fair to use opt out technology as this gives birth to an underclass - or a superclass - those who don't have RFID tags. Currently, the only people that have RFID or equivalent tags are criminals being monitored. How do you rate them? Equally blessed and cursed?

  25. Guys with implants by jokestress · · Score: 5, Funny

    I hate that guys are getting implants. Sure, they look good, but they feel hard as rocks!

    --
    Evil sig is livE.
    1. Re:Guys with implants by Zakabog · · Score: 1

      Sure, they look good, but they feel hard as rocks!

      Judging from all the spam I get on the subject, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

    2. Re:Guys with implants by Scrameustache · · Score: 1

      I hate that guys are getting implants. Sure, they look good, but they feel hard as rocks!

      Funny, I thought that was WHY guys were getting implants ;-)

      --

      You can't take the sky from me...

  26. Is he going to have his body 0wn3d? by ErikTheRed · · Score: 2, Funny

    Hopefully he's not using one of those 40-bit Texas Instruments RFID modules that was cracked recently. Nothing like having some 5cr1pt k1dd13z pwn1ng your entire self...

    --

    Help save the critically endangered Blue Iguana
    1. Re:Is he going to have his body 0wn3d? by Neoncow · · Score: 1
      This topic and the title of your post reminds me of a short story I read a while back..
      (You need to do the salon-free-day-pass dance to get into the site. I just watched a bunch of seals being hit over the head. Thanks for that Salon.)

      It's about a couple hackers who gain total control of their bodies; sure to be a secret fantasy among geeks. (Not in a gay sort of way)

  27. Wait for the standards! by Undefined+Tag · · Score: 1

    Once Walmart has implemented its RFID protocol, Amal better hope that his ID doesn't overlap with what they're using.

    "Thanks for shopping at Walmart. Um, my system shows that you have a toaster oven in your shirt?"

    1. Re:Wait for the standards! by rdavidson3 · · Score: 1
      1. "Thanks for shopping at Walmart. Um, my system shows that you have a toaster oven in your shirt?"

      ummm... I guess that's better than "Is that a toaster in your pants, or are you happy to see me?"
  28. seems like overkill to me by spirit_fingers · · Score: 0

    So in 6 months, when the novelty wears off and it becomes painfully obvious that having your toys greet you when you walk by isn't quite the chick magnet he thought it would be, he's still gonna have this dingus living under his skin. Far better to have an RFID dongle with an OFF switch you can just carry in your pocket. Then you can simply stash it in the drawer with your Palm Pilot and laser pointers when you get bored with it.

  29. Re:Nipple Piercings? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ya that was a fantastic link... made all the nasty hand pictures worth it

  30. Given the CHOICE of Orwellian societies? by StefanJ · · Score: 2, Funny

    Yeah, all this nonsense about freedom and autonomy and choice and privacy is whack.

    May as well metaphorically roll over on your back and piss on yourself in the face of Big Brother now and get to feel all cool about being an early adopter.

    I know, let's ditch human dignity altogether and get a big ol' cattle tag clamped on our ears! Let people know whose herd you belong to!

    Stefan

  31. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  32. Tripods by ari_j · · Score: 1

    When I think "electronic implant" and "opt-out," I think Tripods. Remember the part where they have to cut an implant out of the kid's armpit without any anaesthetic?

  33. I've always thought by kpwoodr · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Instead of SSN's (here in the States, as most of Americans, I'm ingorant of the rest of the world) I've always thought we should all be assigned a GUID at birth. If you can't remember it, well, you're screwed. Mine just happens to be:

    {EDB6154D-43E6-4707-B453-5FAB334B968E}

    With it being globally unique (theoretically), it would be nearly impossible to memorize anyone's other than yourself (I struggle to remember my wife's SSN). So when the identity thief goes to the dealership to buy a car with your id, when they can't recite the GUID assigned to you, they are instantly arrested and displayed hanging from their toenails in the town square for all to see.

    --
    This sig has been removed pending an investigation.
    1. Re:I've always thought by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      ...nearly impossible to memorize anyone's other than yourself...

      Bah, I'll recite your GUID from memory: EDB6154D dash 43E6 dash 4707 dash B453 dash 5FAB334B968E. So there.

    2. Re:I've always thought by Winckle · · Score: 1

      Foolish man, he just lost his identity to me, you are now a nonperson.

    3. Re:I've always thought by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      You have 5 pieces of information there, the longest being 12 characters. You think an identity thief can't spend 20 minutes memorizing that GUID?

      Obviously you never had a Fake ID (handed down, not created). Because I memorized the SSN, Address (it was another state, so that's city and zip, too), and Date of Birth. It wasn't too tough.

      But oh, poor Charles Farley of Galena, Illinois. Thank God I am a trustworthy protector of your valuable personal info. :)

    4. Re:I've always thought by mythosaz · · Score: 1

      At least a few of us get the Charles U. Farley joke.
      Chuck U Farley?

    5. Re:I've always thought by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you can memorize your own number, you can memorize another one with enough practice.

  34. The End Is Nigh by Bedlam+Ballroom · · Score: 0, Troll

    I, for one, welcome our Anti-Christ overlords.

  35. Its Hard to Opt-Out by TubeSteak · · Score: 1
    an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt out of
    ...only if you're going to constantly scan for and remove RFIDs.

    The tags themselves are so small that eyeballs are not a substitute for an RF scanner.

    This, of course, assumes that the 3rd party RFID tags are designed to spec and will die when you send the kill command.

    Even then, you have no way of knowing if your kill switch actually worked, or if the tag is hibernating & waiting for the right code to wake it up.

    There's paranoia and then there's practical paranoia.
    I heard that tinfoil gloves were the new fashion trend

    --
    [Fuck Beta]
    o0t!
  36. So what? by MudButt · · Score: 1

    Real men get RFID tags that explode when they hit oxygen...

  37. Right by pete-classic · · Score: 1
    an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt out of


    Right. Just like Social Security.

    -Peter
  38. where are the religious zealots? by i_should_be_working · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I understand the privacy watchdogs being concerned about stuff like this. But it amazes me that I don't hear more complaints from Christians. What with some of them claiming Judgement day is near, and soon we're all going to have the mark of the beast on our hand without which we can't buy stuff, fly or do just about anything else. Maybe I'm just not paying attention.

    As for the article, the whole thing does seem pretty cool. And he talks about how it only has a range of a couple of inches, making it hard for someone to scan his info without his say so. That's a bit more reassuring. But then it also makes it hard to do all the cool stuff we see in the ads like pick up items in a store and then just walk out as your tag gets scanned.

    There should be some kind of flap that blocks a scan, like a mini-faraday cage, that you can easily cover it with. Then we could get these things with long range, but still feel secure.

    1. Re:where are the religious zealots? by MudButt · · Score: 1

      Religius zealots and Christians are not necessarily one in the same. I think most reasonable Christians don't need to comment because they realize that if a single moron wants to inject himself with an RFID tag, it's not the end of the world.

      When Uncle Sam does away with credit cards and cash, and forces you to use your implanted RFID tag in order to get groceries... Well... Then it's time to talk about the end of the world. =)

    2. Re:where are the religious zealots? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      But it amazes me that I don't hear more complaints from Christians.

      The Christians want the Apocalypse. Some of them even think starting wars in the Middle East will bring it about sooner.

    3. Re:where are the religious zealots? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There should be some kind of flap that blocks a scan, like a mini-faraday cage, that you can easily cover it with.

      Yes.... A faraday glove???

    4. Re:where are the religious zealots? by Neoncow · · Score: 1
      When Uncle Sam does away with credit cards and cash, and forces you to use your implanted RFID tag in order to get groceries... Well... Then it's time to talk about the end of the world. =)

      One small step for an American, one giant leap for the New American Way.

  39. How to get rid of chip by spywarearcata.com · · Score: 2, Funny

    would be to microwave your hand. Don't do it too long though.

  40. From his site by JLavezzo · · Score: 3, Informative

    From his site:
    _______
    Q: what about the mark of the beast!?
    A: well, last time I checked, this chip wasn't required, I won't be killed for not having one, I don't need it to buy/sell things, and with billions of unique ID codes (numbers and letters), I don't see how each unique code could be calculated in some way to 666. bottom line, if this ever becomes an oppressive technology, required by some government, I can simply take it out.

    - Revelation 13:16 - And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.
    - Revelation 13:17 - And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
    - Revelation 13:18 - Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (666)
    ^^^^^^^
    <nit pic>That book of the Bible is called The Revelation of St. John. No plural.</nit pic>

    1. Re:From his site by shredswithpiks · · Score: 1

      Thanks for that... the comment, I think, was more about where the technology *could* take us. Which has been (slightly...) addressed by the man's site. It's just similar to what's in St. John's book, is all.

    2. Re:From his site by SoTuA · · Score: 4, Funny
      <nit pic>

      <nit pick>it's nit pick, not pic.</nit pick>

    3. Re:From his site by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, and Bush is trying to push his damned Social Security thing on all of us (giving us a number). Oh, wait...

    4. Re:From his site by menace3society · · Score: 2, Informative

      The actual name (in appropriate Greek script) is "he Apokalypsis tou Agiou Ioannou Theologou". What it's actually calledby people is another matter entirely.

    5. Re:From his site by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Let's not bring "facts" into an argument centered on religion.

    6. Re:From his site by Ungrounded+Lightning · · Score: 1

      You're reading it from a translation. Which is actually beside the point.

      The people who are concerned about this believe that a tatooed or implanted personal I.D. number, used to identify a person for financial transactions, to be a close enough fit to the verse to satisfy the prophecy. (In that case, the "666" just becomes the number of the beast/man behind the scheme.)

      --
      Bantam Dominique roosters crow a four-note song. Once you've heard it as "Happy BIRTHday" you can't NOT hear it that way
    7. Re:From his site by f00dif00 · · Score: 1

      Ugh. Calculations of names is not the correct way to go about it. The number 666 is an emphasis that the Beast is a man (6 is the number of man) so the correct interpretation is "man man man" (thereby forbidding worship of him) instead of the trinitarian "God God God".

    8. Re:From his site by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name"

      Look no further

      One Microsoft Way
      Redmond
      Washington
      98052-6399
      USA
      425 1 703-6383

    9. Re:From his site by Rei · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Most people completely misinterpret that '666' number. First off, it's not just a number: it is a number *and* a name. The Greeks wrote numbers using letters, each letter standing for a number. Unlike our system where we use only 10 digits and use ordering to denote the significance of the digits, the Greek system had a different 10 digits for each power of 10. Since they ran out of letters fairly quickly, they brought in older letters that had gone into disuse.

      What Revelations actually says is that the number and name of the beast is "xi-chi-digamma" (digamma is also known as "stigma"). This is pronounced ks-kh-w (ks as in the x in "fox", kh as in the ch in "loch"). The xi is 600, the chi is 60, and the digamma is 6. This is *not* three sixes, like many people try and reduce it to; it is a six hundred, a sixty, and a six, combined to make the number six hundred sixty six. If you were to write three sixes in ancient Greek, they would be three sixes, not six hundred sixty six.

      --
      I once listened to a Philip Glass record for an hour and a half before I realized it was skipping.
    10. Re:From his site by peculiarmethod · · Score: 1

      it's nit pick, not pic.

      You should never start a sentence with a lowercase letter.

      --
      ** "It's not my job to stand between the people talking to me, and the ones listening to me." -- Pego the Jerk
    11. Re:From his site by iceborer · · Score: 1

      it's nit pick, not pic

      And the parent's author explodes with immense ironic force...it's "nitpick".

    12. Re:From his site by b-baggins · · Score: 1
      if this ever becomes an oppressive technology, required by some government, I can simply take it out.

      Um, what part of required, doesn't this guy understand?

      The moment it becomes required, he's not going to be able to take it out. The fact that he fails to get this reinforces the conclusion that only an idiot would stick this in his hand in the first place.

      --
      You can tell a great deal about the character of a man by observing those who hate him.
    13. Re:From his site by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      sorry to re-nit-pick, but the "Revelation of St. John the Divine upon Patmos" was written in Greek, not English, and so there is no correct English title. The title to which you refer is a legacy from the King James Version, in its turn inherited from men such as Tyndale.
      Each title do as well as another, so long as one's interlocutor comprehends..

    14. Re:From his site by floodo1 · · Score: 0

      dont spread that blasphemous psychedelic trip shit of john the baptist :)

      --
      I KUT J00 M4NG!!!
    15. Re:From his site by JohnPM · · Score: 1

      I think you're wrong, most people would say "six-six-six", not "six hundred...".

      --
      Karma police, I've given all I can, it's not enough, I've given all I can, but we're still on the payroll.
    16. Re:From his site by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I heard on a TV show that although 666 is the number present today it was the result of a transcription error during the copy of the bible back in the early days. Some older (than what was known until a few years ago) bible have been found where the number is actually not 666. I can't remember what the exact number was, but it had another nice feature: When you took the name of the Roman emperor (which at the time was slaughtering Christians) and converted the letters to numbers. Then the sum of these numbers would add up to this number (which wasn't 666). I know this sounds like like the
      Barney is evil calculations and they might be just that (Isn't math just wonderful). But anyways it does have some other implications for the number 666.

    17. Re:From his site by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Most people completely misinterpret that '666' number

      Revelation was written about 2,000 years ago. Its original meaning has been completely lost. The idea that people are "misinterpreting" it in a specific way ignores the fact that people are misinterpreting it in fundamental ways before you even start being pedantic.

      If you're saying you have the "correct interpretation" of Revelation and everyone else is wrong, you must be the Pope.

    18. Re:From his site by zero_offset · · Score: 1

      Sorry, but that's just "stupid stupid stupid."

      The correct interpretation is to go back to the original Greek. It was written as "zeta zeta zeta", which in Greek is an expression of a power function -- so it's 6 to the 6th power to the 6th power, which yields a very large number indeed.

      The best good old Windows Calculator can manage is:

      1.0638735892371652480771347575246e+56

      --

      Slashdot quality declines as the number of hot grits posts decreases. - Provolt's Law, Apr-09-2005

    19. Re:From his site by tomzyk · · Score: 1

      The xi is 600, the chi is 60, and the digamma is 6.

      Revelation 13:18 - Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

      According to the bible, wouldn't the numeric-letters actually be 600, 20, 20, 20 and 6?

      --
      Karma: NaN
    20. Re:From his site by Spunk · · Score: 1

      You're citing the King James Version, so "threescore" is probably there because it was the popular way to say 60 in England around AD 1600. The numerological meaning would be tied to the original language - Greek?

      This is a nifty site with different translations. Here it's claimed that some versions give the number as 616!

      So... good luck :)

    21. Re:From his site by Rei · · Score: 1

      Yes, most people would. And they'd be wrong. I wrote it as the pronunciation to point out that it is *not* three sixes in a row, but the literal number six-hundred sixty six, which is pronounced ks-kh-w if you read it as a name. Three sixes - what you'd have if you wrote the character for 6 three times - would be vague in ancient greek, possibly interpreted as 18.

      --
      I once listened to a Philip Glass record for an hour and a half before I realized it was skipping.
    22. Re:From his site by JohnPM · · Score: 1

      You're contradicting yourself:

      If you were to write three sixes in ancient Greek, they would be three sixes, not six hundred sixty six.

      versus

      I wrote it as the pronunciation to point out that it is *not* three sixes in a row, but the literal number six-hundred sixty six.

      Make your mind up! (or alternatively make yourself clear).

      Besides I think you're taking the differences in numbering schemes and blowing them out of all proportion. The intended defining feature of the number/name is the repetition of the 6. This would be obvious regardless of the numbering scheme. Just because it's even more obvious in decimal, doesn't make it accidental, in my opinion.

      --
      Karma police, I've given all I can, it's not enough, I've given all I can, but we're still on the payroll.
    23. Re:From his site by Rei · · Score: 1

      Excuse me? Apparently you didn't read very carefully.

      1) IF written-three-sixes THEN NOT written-sixhundredsixtysix
      2a) IS NOT written-three-sixes
      2b) IS written-sixhundredsixtysix

      Please point out the contradiction here. Heck, lets be more specific. Combine 1 with:

      3) IF written-sixhundredsixtysix THEN NOT written-three-sixes.

      Clear enough for you now?

      Clear now?

      the repetition of the 6

      That's the whole point though: There Is No Repetion Of The 6! There is only one six (digamma). The others are the number sixty (which does *not* contain a six), and the number six-hundred (which also contains no six).

      --
      I once listened to a Philip Glass record for an hour and a half before I realized it was skipping.
    24. Re:From his site by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Whoops, sorry for the "clear now" repetition. :)

    25. Re:From his site by JohnPM · · Score: 1

      That's the whole point though: There Is No Repetion Of The 6! There is only one six (digamma). The others are the number sixty (which does *not* contain a six), and the number six-hundred (which also contains no six).

      I'm not talking about literal repetition of six/digamma. I'm talking about repetition of six-ness. My point is that 6, 60 and 600 all have the property of six-ness in both numbering systems. 'Xi' and 'chi' contain a notion of six-ness, just as in decimal numbering. It's just that it's not made as explicit as in decimal, but if you were working regularly in the Greek system it would be obvious.

      --
      Karma police, I've given all I can, it's not enough, I've given all I can, but we're still on the payroll.
  41. Orwellian by Joe+the+Lesser · · Score: 2

    "Given the choice of Orwellian societies,..."

    Personally, I think I'd rather be part of the contingent that storms congress with an AK-47s then let it come to chips implanted in people's hands. Don't forget the 4th box of liberty. This guy is fubared. What's his statement? I'm gonna bend over now just in case my cellmate is gay?

    --
    "I only speak the truth"
    Karma: null(Mostly affected by an unassigned variable)
    1. Re:Orwellian by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Personally, I think I'd rather be part of the contingent that storms congress with an AK-47s...

      Sure you would, kid. Sure you would.

      It's a case of being careful what you wish for. How long do you think the geek crowd would really last if it came to real live actual Revolution? Those guys would be some of the first up against the wall. There's no cheat codes or God modes in a bloody revolt.

  42. tinfoil by jan.korky · · Score: 0

    ... to protect his privacy ... he will just wrap his hand in tinfoil !

    1. implant RFID chip in your hand
    2. make tinfoil gloves
    3. ...
    4. PROFIT !!

  43. Career tags by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Don't we all have these tags already implanted? How else will you know what type of career field or job you can work in? Oh wait, that's a different show.

  44. Defeat Face Recognition for $2 - Guaranteed! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    For $2 you can defeat the most expensivie and sophisticated facial recognition systems available.

    Its even future proof!

    See: http://store.yahoo.com/gsdotcom/grouchoglasses.htm l

    1. Re:Defeat Face Recognition for $2 - Guaranteed! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How odd.. the first line on that page reads "Have you ever wondered why people like you shop here?"

  45. I'm a pretty tolerant guy by hey! · · Score: 3, Insightful

    but I have to say it strikes as, well, stupid to think that you can "opt out" of having somebdoy read something that is implanted in your body and has absolutely no built in security measures at all.

    Saying the read range is only two inches is to count on two things: (1) that the guys who might want to read your implant without your knowledge don't have access to better technology than you do and (2) they aren't clever enough to plant the reader where you will trigger it and won't notice.

    The guy almost has the right idea though. An important quality of a system, if it is to have privacy, is the ability to know when you are being scanned and potentially tracked. This is why biometric face recognition systems, which are advocated by some people on the right, are actually much more dangerous than a national ID card, which is anethema.

    --
    Post may contain irony: discontinue use if experiencing mood swings, nausea or elevated blood pressure.
    1. Re:I'm a pretty tolerant guy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So the right idea is to get a subdermal LED to go with the RFID that lights up when it's read? Maybe with an amp and a long term nuclear battery to power the LED?

    2. Re:I'm a pretty tolerant guy by hey! · · Score: 1

      Well, that would be a start, but better would be something that required you to take an action for the device to be read. A ring with an iButton fits the bill I think. It can't be powered up by radio waves, so it actually has to make contact with the receptor.

      --
      Post may contain irony: discontinue use if experiencing mood swings, nausea or elevated blood pressure.
    3. Re:I'm a pretty tolerant guy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A ring with an iButton fits the bill I think. It can't be powered up by radio waves, so it actually has to make contact with the receptor.

      Oh, sure. That's what they said about flourescent light bulbs.

    4. Re:I'm a pretty tolerant guy by White+Roses · · Score: 1

      It's less like "opt out" and more like "dig out", as in, "with a rusty spoon." Assuming, of course, that it's just subdermal and not, like, in the brain or bone marrow or something. See Total Recall, Futurama pilot episode for examples of "opting out" of tracking implants.

      --
      Do not touch -Willie
  46. Fooling facial recognition is easy... by Mumpsman · · Score: 1

    Just grow a gigantic mustache/beard. Wear oversized glasses. Basically, wear a disguise. If you're running from the law (or need to exist on the outskirts of society) then you should have a good disguise handy already.

    Personally, I'd rather put on a disguise whenever I needed to leave my mountain hideout and come into the city than walk around with an obvious scar/missing digit from having to cut out my implant.

    DNA printing is more troubling, but having real-time alerts based on DNA ID would be very tricky. Unless Big Brother requires us all to use DNA as a universal ID for ATMs/Travel/Medical treatment. In which case I for one welcome our...blah, blah, blah.

    --
    No battles to the death are recalled. Mumpsman can hit to attack and cause brainsmashing.
    1. Re:Fooling facial recognition is easy... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

      In Michael Crichton's "State of Fear" he says that facial recognition systems and police officers are trained to look past facial hair and glasses to focus on the shape of the face and the ears, which barely anyone bothers changing. You need to do a bit more than wear groucho glasses and an afro for a good disguise.

  47. As far as I'm concerned... by Daytona89 · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    ...they're all a bunch of fruitcakes. *rimshot*

  48. All Topic Responses Reply To Parent. by realitybath1 · · Score: 0

    Parent post is the one true path regarding the article subject's incredible idiocy.

  49. RFID by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I have a RFID implant as well, and am currently looking for others who have RFID implants or are familar with the programming of RFID technologies.
    email me rfid@stncl.com

  50. Jesusland reference by PxM · · Score: 1

    It's a joke that came up after the '04 elections. http://yglesias.typepad.com/matthew/2004/11/a_mode st_propos.html

  51. great by Mighty_Marcos · · Score: 1

    so now thugs are going to cut off my hand instead of just taking my wallet

  52. Orwellian Societies by raider_red · · Score: 1

    I thought the point of an Orwellian society is that you can't opt out of it.

    --
    It's good to use your head, but not as a battering ram.
  53. RFID Tattoos by Doc+Ruby · · Score: 1

    I can't wait for the Xtreeeme subculture to embrace RFID. When future edgedwellers enter a room, all the phones will light up with their tattoo of the day. Nothing so temporary as a permanent solution.

    --

    --
    make install -not war

  54. I don't get it (alternative) by mogabog · · Score: 1

    Why does it have to be an implant? Can't it be wearable? I don't want to implant my kid, but if they have a tracking chip imbedded in their belt and shoes isn't that going to satisfy 99% of the need to have a tracking chip?

    The chip send an alarm back if breathing stops, the belt and/or shoes are removed. Why can't adults be the same way? If I leave the house without my chipped belt I can't get money from the ATM, how is that different from me forgetting my card?

    Why does it always have to be an implant? Not a bracelet, necklace, belt insert, shoe insert, ring...

    p-oz

    1. Re:I don't get it (alternative) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You have to be within 2 inches of the chip. You're talking more like a fag-pack sized device.

  55. and the thread spirals back to 'do'! by Thud457 · · Score: 1

    Maybe he really is from the futar!

    --

    the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

  56. Not Mutually Exclusive by John+Hasler · · Score: 1

    > ...an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt
    > out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial
    > recognition, well, isn't.

    Don't assume that just because they want to put an RFID tag in you they are not going to also use DNA and facial recognition (if they ever get it to work).

    --
    Warning: this article may contain humor, sarcasm, parody, and perhaps even irony. Read at your own risk.
  57. Why... by kevin_conaway · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Is that comment about "Orweillian" socities in the article summary? Seems like it was just flamebait to get everyone riled up about RFID.

    Its just a neat project about a lazy man making life easier for himself.

    1. Re:Why... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Finally someone making sense out of this.

  58. Not really... by hummassa · · Score: 1

    But it would also make identity theft not as painful.

    --
    It's better to be the foot on the boot than the face on the pavement. ~~ tkx Kadin2048
  59. New clothing requirements by Linker3000 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Watch out for the new line of tin-foil gloves coming soon to a store near you.

    --
    AT&ROFLMAO
  60. explanation on the 666 by Spy+der+Mann · · Score: 2, Informative

    Let's remember that the hebrew letters for "Nero Caesar" (NRWN QSR) sum 50+200+6+50+100+60+200=666.

    Some interpretations say that the Latin name "Neron Caesar" also sums 666.

    So please, ask a Bible scholar before jumping up to conclusions.

    It's funny, you know... how people let tend to believe rumours and conspiracy theories, when they should be working on helping the poor and feeding the hungry (Hellooooo, Matthew 25 anyone?)

    1. Re:explanation on the 666 by Havenwar · · Score: 1

      lets remember that if you count long enough, and look hard enough, you'll find any number in any place you look.

    2. Re:explanation on the 666 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So..whenever they start the national id we should seek out 50200650-10060200 before they can bring about the endtimes? :)

    3. Re:explanation on the 666 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Emperor Domitian was a contemporary of St. John the Beloved. Domitian caused a massive statue of himself to be built at Ephesus, overlooking the marketplace. Anyone who wanted to get into the marketplace had to purchase and burn incense in worship to him. Once you had paid for the incense they used a warm blob of wax or a bit of pigment, making a mark on your wrist or forehead to prove you had paid. To worship the Emperor and to swear loyalty to your country were one and the same, considered inseperable. To say "I support our troops but not the Emperor" was sedition. When Christians refused to buy incense, they were asked "Why do you hate your country? Do you wish the Emperor dead?"

      Domitian also had a Greek chorus of 24 singers robed in white that followed him around. Ceaselessly they cried "Holy, holy, holy is our lord and our god Domitian who was and who is and who is to come", falling down and worshipping him. For more information about Domitian, find a book by Plutarch in your local library.

    4. Re:explanation on the 666 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The wikipedia article on Domitian is rather interesting. His rule was quite problematic-and his personal behavior rather questionable.

    5. Re:explanation on the 666 by dejaffa · · Score: 1

      To worship the Emperor and to swear loyalty to your country were one and the same, considered inseperable. To say "I support our troops but not the Emperor" was sedition. When Christians refused to buy incense, they were asked "Why do you hate your country? Do you wish the Emperor dead?"

      So, in other words, little has changed?

      --
      There is no 'i' in team, but there is in fiasco...
  61. extra WTF points. by sammy+baby · · Score: 1
    From the article:
    I don't actually have any modifications myself, aside from this RFID tag now. But, I am planning on getting at least two tattoos sometime soon; once my left hand is healed up, I plan on getting the kanji for patience in the webbing between thumb and index finger basically overtop the RFID tag. In the same place on my right hand, I plan on getting the kanji for now, but I may wait a while; I'm still deciding if I want to put another RFID chip into my right hand. Aside from that, I like to look at female nipple piercing.


    Well, that's great, Amal. Thanks for sharing that with us.
    1. Re:extra WTF points. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It really, REALLY looks like bmezine just tacked that line on (or took it from somewhere else out of context) to turn him into a shill for their website.

    2. Re:extra WTF points. by Gypsy2012 · · Score: 1

      Thats not at all thier Style, I've known the owner of that site for a good Decade now. Your impression is wrong.

    3. Re:extra WTF points. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, I know some bmezine people too, so I tend to doubt it as well. But still, it just looks wrong - maybe it was an overzealous interviewer.

      Any organization can "go bad" in small steps, even fringey non-or-low-profit ones.

  62. Carrying two virus with one host by Statecraftsman · · Score: 1
    Great! Now he can finally carry two completely different classes of virus.

    I can see it now...Outbreak 2.0 co-starring Ebola and a new Downloader variant.

  63. Betadine by TimeTraveler1884 · · Score: 1
    From the article:
    ...so I just sat down in a chair and my hand was swabbed with some form of disinfectant. From the color of it, I'd guess it was iodine based.
    That would be Betadine my RFID-trackable friend.

  64. instead of an implant by WormholeFiend · · Score: 1

    You could just put your RFID device on a bracelet made from a bicycle chain.

    If you want to remove it, you'll need a chain breaking tool, so it's difficult enough to remove by someone who would steal it, and easy enough to remove if you want to "opt out".

    You can even add or remove links if you gain/lose weight.

  65. Distance, huh? by randomaxe · · Score: 1

    Read at a distance? If you RTFA, you'll find that the thing is only readable within a range of about 1.5 inches. That's closer than you need to get to read a driver's license, hopefully.

    If you seriously consider an inch and a half to be a length that is anything other than "purely insignificant", please pass my condolences on to your wife or girlfriend, if any.

    1. Re:Distance, huh? by asb · · Score: 1

      How many times a day do you touch an object that you do not own? That pretty much equals the number of times you would expose your hand implanted RFID tag to copying.

      --
      Antti S. Brax - Old school - http://www.iki.fi/asb/
  66. Is this a joke? by MrJerryNormandinSir · · Score: 1

    I do not want my finger prints on file
    I do not want my DNA stored for even a short while
    I would not could not install an RFID
    Mr anonynimity, that's me!

  67. Global identifiers make for poor identication by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    So when the identity thief goes to the dealership to buy a car with your id, when they can't recite the GUID assigned to you, they are instantly arrested and displayed hanging from their toenails in the town square for all to see.

    Have you ever mistyped your password? Would you like to be arrested if you did?

    What if the buyer is sick the day he goes to make payment on your car? What he's hungover? What if he's getting old, and his memories are fading? What if she's got dislexia, and can't visualize numbers, let alone memorize them?

    With it being globally unique (theoretically), it would be nearly impossible to memorize anyone's other than yourself

    You define "nearly impossible" differently than I do. :-)

    If you ask most people if they can memorize ten digit numbers, they say "no". If you ask them their best friends phone number, they rattle it off without thinking. People with a vested interest can write down and then memorize darn near anything. After all, you learned to memorize your number. Why can't someone else?

    What's to stop, say, the car dealer from keeping a copy of your global identifier (say, he's got a tape recorder in his pocket when you say it out loud), and then buying a vacation to Cuba with your identity?

    The answer is, of course, not much.
    --
    AC

    1. Re:Global identifiers make for poor identication by StalinsNotDead · · Score: 2, Funny

      What's to stop, say, the car dealer from keeping a copy of your global identifier (say, he's got a tape recorder in his pocket when you say it out loud), and then buying a vacation to Cuba with your identity?

      Ethics?

      --
      Thanks to the internet, we can now all die alone together! -SomeWoman
    2. Re:Global identifiers make for poor identication by toasterlizard · · Score: 0

      hahaha.. you seriously just made me spew coke all over my desk.

      thanks. that was great.

    3. Re:Global identifiers make for poor identication by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      From a car dealer? I think not.

  68. "Ohhhh, hey everybody, look at me, I'm a weirdo!" by Thud457 · · Score: 1

    "O

    --

    the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

  69. Re:Replacing your retinas by rjelks · · Score: 1

    Be careful, I've heard the post-op food is just horrible.

  70. Re:"Ohhhh, hey everybody, look at me, I'm a weirdo by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    That's nice, submit on return. All you touch typists can fuck off.

    What is it with you computer programmers?!!!

    This guy's still got him beat.

  71. RTFA? by randomaxe · · Score: 2, Funny
    Why does it always have to be an implant? Not a bracelet, necklace, belt insert, shoe insert, ring...

    That's answered pretty early in the article, actually.

    I became interested in RFID and other alternate means of identification a while back. I constantly lose my keys and my wallet -- yeah, I'm one of those guys. So I was sitting around thinking about keys and credit cards, and the obvious truth that these chunks of metal and pieces of plastic were really representing me and basically identifying me to whatever mechanisms and systems they worked with, be it my front door deadbolt or my bank account. I basically just wanted to get rid of my keys and wallet.

    I'm guessing that it's not so frequent when he goes somewhere and accidentally leaves his left hand behind.
  72. Slightly OT -- Not to store, just to aprove by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Reading all this hyperinsightfull stuff about big bros. on one hand and the identity theft on the other, I think that the real point in the whole business of how to secure and prove your ID is that we can't get the Veryfied-by-the-Authority stamp without Recorded-by-the-Authority file. I think that focus should be put on devices or documents that by its very nature prove your ID (eg.biometrics or just simple fotograph) but data of wich DO NOT,CANNOT or SHOULD NOT be stored (by law or by definition). I think that for opening a bank account it`s fully ennough to prouve that you are you on the spot and thats all. One machine that scans your fingerprint and compares it to the one on your card and reads the name on it should be enough to do the job. But no STORING SHOULD BE ALLOWED.

    1. Re:Slightly OT -- Not to store, just to aprove by fluffy99 · · Score: 1

      We have that technology now. It's called a Common Access Card (CAC) or smart card. Hasn't seen much adoption outside the military yet.

  73. "futar"? by The_REAL_DZA · · Score: 1

    Is that where everyone sits on those long, low couches listening to mildly disturbing music and complaining about the stench?

    --


    This space intentionally left (almost) blank.
  74. But can it run Linux? by JD-1027 · · Score: 1

    I wish my left hand could run Linux.

  75. Two words: by markov_chain · · Score: 1

    Tin-foil gloves!

    --
    Tsunami -- You can't bring a good wave down!
    1. Re:Two words: by The_REAL_DZA · · Score: 1

      Yep, or at least one with tin-foil sequins ala Michael Jackson.

      --


      This space intentionally left (almost) blank.
  76. Not surprising for amal. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    this actually isn't surprising for amal. still as stupid as he was 10 years ago.

    But, they again, I'm biased. I was a happy friend and ISP customer until he screwed his partner out of buisiness by litterally hiding a web hosting company under his desk.

  77. Exactly... by awfar · · Score: 1

    Parables.

  78. Did you notice -- he implanted it in his left hand by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    . . . not his right. Found that amusing. Insurance perhaps?

  79. Orwell is Inevitable by knight37 · · Score: 1

    Given the choice of Orwellian societies, I'd rather live in one based on RFID tags than fingerprints, DNA, or facial structure; an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial recognition, well, isn't.

    We're already living in an Orwellian society. The war is over, we lost. All it took was two smoking ruins for everyone to freely give over their rights to the government in the name of safety. You really think they can't trace you NOW? LOL, besides, why should we make it easier? I already got a face, I already got DNA, why give them something else to track me by?

    --
    Knight37 - Once a Gamer, Always a Gamer
  80. No, just wait... by feloneous+cat · · Score: 1

    Well, as the initial designer of the Exxon Speedpass system, I can tell ya' that he is an idiot.

    The problem with those dinky ones is that if they don't have an encrypted code, it doesn't take much to steal his identity (heh). Even at two inches, think how many things you put your hands on in a day. Sheesh!

    BUT skipping all of that, let us assume we have hundreds, nay, THOUSANDS of these dumbass 125 Khz transceivers out there - with the Exxon solution we have a MINIMUM distance of one vehicle. Not much problem of interference there. But when you start packing them in, BOY yer going to have a freaking mess.

    RFID works for some things, but as a "national id" it will royally suck. Hell, just ask people that have RFID in their keys and get an Exxon Speedpass (hint: they interfere with each other).

    But then I've always believed that if someone built a better mousetrap the majority would still use the older and crappier one...

    --
    IANAL, but I've seen actors play them on TV
  81. Yahoo! by spudchucker · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I'm a delivery boy!

  82. Fuck off by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Fuck all americans rodrigo@worium.com.br

  83. Free XBox with implant. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Just get an implant. The line is over there. Keep the implant and recieve enough points for a free game or pre-release of the newest hottest games.

    How many takers?

  84. stupidity by cg0def · · Score: 1

    can anyone ever explain stupidity ??? anyone?

  85. Paging Officer John Spartan... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    From The Demolition Man
    So he can't buy anything... unless he cuts someones hand off.
    Let's hope he doesn't think of that!

  86. Stealing the ID? by whitetiger0990 · · Score: 1

    Why not wire a pair of gloves to detect RFID and record all the unique IDs of the people you shake hands with? Then later when you get home put it on your nifty Dart gun and shoot at some door knobs.

    --
    You have been warned.
  87. "opting-out" by Rufus88 · · Score: 1

    How do you close the door on the microwave oven with your hand still inside?

  88. interesting.. by rootedgimp · · Score: 1

    "I guess I have my own Big Brother paranoia. Given the choice of Orwellian societies, I'd rather live in one based on RFID tags than fingerprints, DNA, or facial structure; an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial recognition, well, isn't."

    How long will we be able to opt out of it? I probably have one in my shirt now, a few in my car, some in my food, etc.

    This is the same kind of shit that has us in the state we are currently in, people see the potential abuse of a technology and continue to use it (and push it to the mainstream) until the shit hits the fan, then everyone has a negative opinion.

    I remember back in 2001 when people were calling for RFID & Biometric data to be stored on Passports, Drivers Licenses, etc.. The gov said by 2010 we would probably have it mandantory on passports.. Every year they make the mandantory date closer and closer, last I heard the end of this year it will be the default.

    I opened up a old IBM 300GL the other day, id say it was from around 97 / 98, maybe older. So right behind the front plastic of the case I see this odd thing that appears to be an 'external' cmos battery velcro'd onto the case.. After looking around another second or two I realize that it can't be a battery, so I do some hard searching. Turns out its an undocumented RFID antenna, mentioned nowhere on IBMs website. Those things are still somewhat expensive, so why the hell did they include them on a computer from 97 without even plastering huge stickers all over the case boasting how much you need it?

    This may all sound a little too paranoid, but in my opinion RFID is the worse thing to happen to this planet since monsanto.

    Isn't it odd, that the United States doesn't even own the Federal Reserve? Isn't it even odder that all the new money has RFID chips in em? :/

    My boss bought a new mercedes the other day, while he was test driving it I was inside talking to one of the sales reps. He was telling me about all the crazys that show up there to test drive a car and end up trying to run off with it, from what he said the cars are all tracked by RFID, they can alert the cops when the car gets X miles away and the cops can apparently track down the car via RFID. Wonder how long that's been a standard option, hell the car companies didn't even admit to the 'black box' til about what, a year ago in that canada court case? Anyway... later.
    /paranoia

  89. Cart before the horse. by flatass · · Score: 1

    from TFA. This guy went ahead and implanted this chip in his hand surgicaly, but does not have any of the systems installed in his home or car for its intended purpose.

    Maybe its just me, but I would have had all of that stuff in place and functioning before taking the final step of surgery, all be it minor.

  90. Clubbers? by mollyhackit · · Score: 1

    Didn't anybody catch the blurb in Wired last year about Ibiza clubbers getting implants to automatically pay for drinks? I can't believe how premature this guy is; I mean he has less security than a garage door opener now. I'd opt for and iButton ring or something first.

  91. reader in a ring by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    if someone comes up with an rfid reader and data store facility in the form of a ring i'll shake this guys hand...taking his authentication details with me.

    I don't get how this is ne more secure than something you might carry with you other than you wouldn't know who might be taking a copy when they brush up against you.

    card and pin # vrs chip and pin#?

    of the 2 the card is more secure.

  92. Thank the Patriot Act for that. by solios · · Score: 1

    You need Valid Current Photo ID to open a bank account, RIDE THE GREYHOUND, fly, get into bars, etc, etc. The banks USED to accept bills or a social security card (or both) as proof of ID; Greyhound was even easier to deal with.

    I let my license expire in '99 and had to get a fresh state ID in mid 2k4- not having Valid ID had become such massive inconvenience that it was more hassle to not have one than it was to just Get It Over With.

    1. Re:Thank the Patriot Act for that. by markana · · Score: 1

      It started *way* before 9/11 and the PA - the airlines and car rental companies started requiring CCs in the early 90's, if not before. That way, the ticket clerks don't have to handle cash, and the rental companies can do a background check before they give you their precious car.

  93. 666 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Just a sudden thought about the long disputed RFID comparison with 666.
    Each 6 is like a spiral, every 6 added to the previous one would create a longer spiral so eventually you get something that resembles a... well, RFID coil??

  94. Or get Dr Nick Riviera to remove it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Considering he found *two* MDs willing to install it ("Ooops you were the breast implant patient, right?"), there should be no shortage of docs willing to remove them if the NWO/UN/Jews/Hillary Clinton ever require they be implanted at birth.

  95. speaking of scanning without knowledge... by Pitawg · · Score: 1

    My wonderful childhood memories are screaming at this one. No scanning without your knowledge leads me to think the life that follows implantation consists of..

    "STOP TOUCHING ME!!QUIT IT!!STOP TOUCHING ME!!"
    and if I recall...
    "MOM, HE'S TOUCHING ME!!"

    Don't live in the past.

  96. No opting out for you! by NekoXP · · Score: 1


    Isn't the point of an Orwellian society that you don't really get to opt-out because conformance is required?

    How can you opt out of a system which would be expanded to enforce security, money, identification for benefits etc. allowing you to do nothing without it?

    The poster could have instead just said "given the choice between Orwellian societies I would rather live in a cave on a beach and my volleyball friend".

    Neko

  97. Opt out? Ha! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The whole point of these tracking technologies is to ensure that nobody is able to "opt out". Rfid is just one piece of the the orwellian infrasturcture that will eventually enslave us all.

    This guy may be a fool, but he is an avant garde fool.

    Resistance is futile...

  98. Is he a moron? Or am I? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Maybe I'm being extra-dense today, but I don't see how having an RFID implant prevents getting your fingerprints scanned, your facial features recognized, etc.

    WTF?

  99. The RFID sniper rifle by Animats · · Score: 2, Informative
    Ah, yes, the RFID sniper rifle.
    • The ID SNIPER rifle designed by EMPIRE NORTH

      What is the ID SNIPER rifle?

      It is used to implant a GPS-microchip in the body of a human being, using a high powered sniper rifle as the long distance injector. The microchip will enter the body and stay there, causing no internal damage, and only a very small amount of physical pain to the target. It will feel like a mosquito-bite lasting a fraction of a second. At the same time a digital camcorder with a zoom-lense fitted within the scope will take a high-resolution picture of the target. This picture will be stored on a memory card for later image-analysis.

  100. hmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So you would use Russian weapons to storm congress eh. interesting.

  101. Offtopic, about your nick by PartialInfinity · · Score: 1

    I just have a couple of offtopic nitpicks, mods please feel free to label as such.

    First, it's Korben Dallas (not Korbin).
    Second, it's Leeloo (not Leelu).

    And thirdly, just to show how truly geeky my wife and I are, we named our son Korben. :)

    1. Re:Offtopic, about your nick by korbin_dallas · · Score: 1

      yeah yeah yeah, Like it MATTERS here!
      geez, I'll checkit when I get home.

      Lets negotiate over that, shall we?

      --
      They Live, We Sleep
  102. Where did he get his stuff? by fatcatman · · Score: 1

    I'll email him and ask him, but: Where can you buy tiny RFID chips & inexpensive readers like this?

    No, I don't want to implant one in my hand. However, implanting one in a ring or a watch would be cool.

  103. I'm not too worried... by tomarseneault · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Call me a cockeyed optimist but I'm not too worried, at least not about the Government enforcing RFID. Anything they field can easily be defeated, if history is any teacher. Here are my thoughs on some of the issues brought up: 1) "you can't opt out" - Yes you can, you can have the thing removed or destroyed. Even if the government said it's against the law to do so doesn't make it technicly imposible to do. And if enough people do it, it gets to be unenforceable. You can't opt out of DNA and while facial recognition software is easy to defeat it's way too costly to permently change your face. I'm more worried about the general economy addopting it, as some posters have alluded too. I don't think the Gov will mandate it, not sure they could anyway, our paper money say "legal tender for all depts public and private" so by law they probably have to supply it but there may be some businesses that will become "electronic transactions only" outlets but major stores will probably still take cash. Even in a worst case where you can't get by with out an RFID (which will only happen if better encryption can be implemented) it'll be business's that'll drive it and not the Gov. And I can only guess at the black/grey markets that'll popup with anonymous/fake RFIDs, it'll be a brave new world. 2)Why not wearable instead? - This has been covered pretty good by others but it boils down to if you wear it, it can be stolen/lost. Some folks, possibly as jokes, mention the cutting off of his hand to seal his ID; not an easy thing to do, most folks would easliy give up their watch/rings/wallets but would fight rather hard to keep their hand. 3) Its unencrypted - The author understands that, he even understans that the 40bit encrypted ones have been cracked already. He mentions some form of 2 factor authentication on some critical operations, such as open a door, but that's not needed when turning on a light. And I agree that even a 1 to 2 inch read limit is of little protection against theft, Credit cards require the target to remove them from their wallet and make physical contact with a reader (to get the info off the magnetic strip) but that's an easyenough crime to commt, scanning a hand should be no problem. Thougth we might see a surge in sales of wire mesh gloves for blocking this. 4) We already are being tracked by RFID in cloths and other products - Partly true, but it's a very iffy way of doing it. WalMart has hundreds of shirts in stock to be able to track my shirt and associate it with me would take the updating of possibly dozens of databases, not an easy thing to do (the IRS has been working for 20 years to try and get computerized and they still can't get it right and they only have one DB) In conclution: RFID, DNA, Facial Recongnition, federal ID cards all of these are useless for near 100% identification purposes (DNA comes nearest but is nowhere near realtime) so other than a token effort by the government I am not too worried. They'll pass it, it'll be a major headache for a few months/years then it'll go away (congress has a notorisly short attention span and when the next new birght shiny object comes into view they'll forget all about it). P.S. One poster mentioned everyone getting an GUID at birth, I go one further, I think we should all get a 48 bit Mac address at birth so that when the IPv6 enabled RFIDs come out we can jack in right away.

  104. Yeah the Java ring by Orion+Blastar · · Score: 1

    it already has been thought of.

    Just hope nobody steals it from you.

    --
    Remember, Slashdot does not have a -1 disagree moderation, and no, troll, flamebait, and overrated are not substitutes.
  105. RFID? by werewolf1031 · · Score: 1

    Marco!...

  106. Ethics? by Orion+Blastar · · Score: 1

    What color is the sky in your world? People stopped using ethics long ago. Very few of us are left that even bother to follow a code of ethics. We are made fun of for doing so.

    --
    Remember, Slashdot does not have a -1 disagree moderation, and no, troll, flamebait, and overrated are not substitutes.
    1. Re:Ethics? by StalinsNotDead · · Score: 1

      What color is the sky in your world?

      Red. No, Blue. AAAAIIIIEEEE!!!

      Yes, I have absolutely no life.

      --
      Thanks to the internet, we can now all die alone together! -SomeWoman
  107. Whoooa... by GuerillaRadio · · Score: 1

    ...there's two r's in Guerrilla. How stupid do I feel!?

    --
    If a man empties his purse into his head no man can take it from him. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
  108. No doubt about the range by Orion+Blastar · · Score: 1

    however, I am more concerned about people stealing my RFID code from the machines that read RFID tags. Those do not have a two inch range, and wirelessly transmit the code to a computer located elsewhere. All someone has to do is break into one of these devices to find the log of the RFID codes that are used, and then pick one to use for whatever reason they want to use them for.

    I mean the RFID code is not encrypted, and it is only 8 bytes long. That is eight characters, and people can make a device that uses brute force to run through all possible combinations of 8 characters until one of them triggers a lock to open, etc, or perhaps from a list of RFID codes stolen from a nearby system they broke into and stole the codes from.

    RFID codes can be stolen from RFID readers to use in passports, if passports contain an RFID chip. Who would think a passport is fake if the RFID code matches a list on a computer somewhere that someone stole the codes from?

    --
    Remember, Slashdot does not have a -1 disagree moderation, and no, troll, flamebait, and overrated are not substitutes.
  109. Guerilla RFID by Ulrich+Hobelmann · · Score: 1

    While this might be somewhat off-topic:
    when I read guerilla RFID, I thought of building your own device that sends out RFID signals to mess with some system.

    For instance you might read in the RFID tags of everything you buy, but slightly change the tags. If the encoding is known, you might even vary and multiply them. The next time you enter a store, the device could send out that you went shopping there for the last 100 years, buy 100 pounds of ammunition every week, female hygiene products, and childrens' books, or something weird like that. Or you "tell" the store that you are entering the store with RFID tags of everything they sell inside right now :D

  110. I'd Love To Have an RFID Implant by Master+of+Transhuman · · Score: 1


    provided it was only used to quietly trigger my guard robot to fry people with a plasma cannon...

    --
    Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
  111. why not just wear a ring? by michaelbuddy · · Score: 1

    Unless RFID monitors bodily functions from the inside, I can't possibly see the advantage from this that he couldn't just have by wearing a tag on his ring finger. Or if he's not married, on the opposite side. If he wants to never take it off, then never take it off. Implanting it, would only be good for animals or if you couldn't take it out.

    --

    ...::----::...

    I am in no way affiliated with this sig.

  112. Ahahahahaha by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Well played.

  113. Better work fast... by dysprosia · · Score: 1

    What's he going to do when the battery runs out? Ouch. Better work fast with creating his funky devices before it does...

    1. Re:Better work fast... by Psyborgue · · Score: 1

      Passive tags do not require batteries.

  114. Re:Knives. by DJCF · · Score: 1

    I'm waiting for one-way implantable satelite radios. In a bad situation? *Insert Regime Here* secret police captured you and confiscated your laptop? All you need is a sharp knife and a local anathetic. And, in a pinch, you could do without the sharp knife or the anathetic. Hey, if it's your own government who's captured you you could at least upload your dying words to your dynDNS webserver (you DO have rsynch'd offsite offshore daily backups, right?)

    (Mostly from Nancy Kress' "Beggars and Choosers")

  115. So now we will need... by falken0905 · · Score: 0

    So now we will need tin foil gloves too. Damn. This is cool though. I'm getting a case of the iwannas already.

  116. they may not be far off... by Cryptnotic · · Score: 1

    I think he's a couple cans short of a six-pack.

    --
    My other first post is car post.
  117. The mark of the beast. by rice_burners_suck · · Score: 1
    ...an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial recognition, well, isn't...

    That's the mark of the beast... You can't accept it or you will burn in hell forever. Jesus foresaw it. He said that when the end of days approaches, the antichrist will set it up so everyone will have to get the mark of the beast in his hand or his forehead. If you opt out, you will not be able to buy anything, go anywhere, etc. You will be stuck living like in the middle ages.

    They'll market it to everyone like it's such a good idea... Like it's so convenient. No identity theft. No lost children. No more carrying around a wallet or change. In fact, there won't be any more paper or coin money. And it will allow "them" to track criminals... rapists, sex offenders. It's so convenient, they'll argue, so why don't you want to get it? Only criminals, they'll argue, will refuse the mark of the beast. Criminals and religious fanatics.

    As it is, religion is on its way out the door. They're taking the Ten Commandments down from everywhere. They're getting rid of the cross. The ACLU, all kinds of organizations that claim to be good. And when the mark of the beast becomes mandatory from a practical perspective, because you'll be unable to buy food, or pay for anything without it, you'll be an outcast... Either a criminal or a religious nutcase.

    Jesus said, "Another will come in my name and him you will receive."

    Biometrics aren't that bad when you consider it. But the mark of the beast... only if you do not accept it will you survive the end of days.

  118. Re:Nipple Piercings? by klipsch_gmx · · Score: 1

    I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

  119. Um...he's right handed? by Schwarzchild · · Score: 1

    Would only work if he used his left hand to shake hands.

    --

    "sweet dreams are made of this..."

  120. not either/or by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "I guess I have my own Big Brother paranoia. Given the choice of Orwellian societies, I'd rather live in one based on RFID tags than fingerprints, DNA, or facial structure; an RFID tag system is easy to manage and opt out of, whereas DNA sampling or facial recognition, well, isn't."

    It isn't an either/or proposition, if you consider it to be, then you've already lost. Live free or die.

  121. Been done (in 1997) by unithom · · Score: 1

    Eduardo Kac, artist ahead of his time: http://www.ekac.org/timcap.html

  122. Opt out solution to RFID in Hand by acidbass · · Score: 0

    Tin Foil Gloves Baby!

  123. Companion implants by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I just finished reading Robert J. Sawyer's Neanderthal trilogy. The Neanderthal society in the books effectively eliminated modern crime by requiring all people to have mini computers implanted in their forearms.

    Not only do they allow communication, but they record any and all information concerning you and your activities.

    Ostensibly, the only time anyone would require access is in the event of a criminal activity, otherwise, the records were totally sealed.

    Ahhh...if only we could trust ourselves not to peek, right? But if everything is recorded, any abuse would be known as well. Hmm...maybe I shouldn't have brought this up.

  124. Wow, how stupid. by RedFez · · Score: 1

    To see the potiential down fall of this in future applications checkout the Isreali study.
    http://eprint.iacr.org/2005/052.pdf

  125. Why not? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This guy is clearly putting technology to work for HIM. The rest of us will continue to sit around and wait for Walmart, etc. to use this technology to work for THEM via US. Also, at the end of the day, when he brings his purchases home from the store in the future HE'LL be in a better position to make use of those tags too (if they're not wiped)... WE WON'T.

    Apparantly he has made his choice to allow others to scan him -- possibly from a greater distance than he envisions or in an otherwise covert manner -- but since he's ahead of the game here, it'll be a long time before those wishing him harm will do it via RFID.

    By the time the crooks (whomever YOU consider them to be; criminals, corporations, governments, etc.) are equipped to harm the average joe/jill via RFID, we'll all be carrying around a PILE of them from a number of places. Even our bank-notes will have RFID stripes embedded in them. (yep, its true -- beware of the pick-pocket who scans your pocket to see what you're worth before attempting any risky activity)

    However, the real issue here is that he has given himself a fair hurdle to REVOKING his tag. Should the need arise to change his UID, he'll have to undertake surgery AGAIN.

    If I were to do this (why not?), I would consider a re-writable tag, and give myself a new ID periodically (daily?), and simultaneously update those systems which are important to ME to respond to the new UID only and to log any attempted access against the old. Thereby decreasing the risk of unauthorised use of those systems as well as decreasing the ability of others' systems to profile my activities over extended periods of time.

    If the whole RFID industry weren't so focused on the 5c tag, they could consider making tags with proper security features such as authenticated reads and writes and perhaps other cryptographic, privacy-enhancing capabilities. In this case, privacy and security can actually be gained with RFID tags.