Employees who work at a company in Wisconsin have agreed to get a microchip implanted in their hand. The microchip will allow them to enter the office, log into their computers, and buy snacks from the vending machine just by swiping their hand. three square market is the first in the United States to use microchips on employees. No one is forced to get the implant. Employees volunteered to get it. Out of the 85 employees at the company headquarters, more than 50 of them agreed to get the microchip in their hand.
About the microchip
The microchip has been described as small as a grain of rice.
The chip has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The chip is implanted between the thumb and forefinger. It uses radio frequency identification technology. It does not have a GPS to track employees. At first, there was some reluctance. After employees were given more information about the microchip, they became excited to participate.
Officials at the company that provides services to businesses around the world found out about microchipping through a Swedish company whose employees have been using the chips for at least three years. The Wisconsin company is partnering with the Swedish company BioHax International to get the microchips, which cost $300 each. Employees won't have to pay the fee.
Certified licensed piercers are doing the procedure on August 1, 2017.
Getting the implant takes only about two seconds and it feels like getting a shot. If employees change their mind after getting the implant, it can be removed the same way a splinter is removed from someone's finger. The chip can be taken out if employees leave the company because the chip will only work at Three Square Market and at no other place.
Reasons for and against the microchip
Executives say the main reason for getting the chip is because of convenience. Some employees cite the possibility of infection as one of the main reason they don't want it. Others are concerned about data being distributed about them that might compromise their identity. Some say they been able to survive without a microchip up to now; therefore, they don't see the need for one now.
Many people who responded to this story on social media said they would be reluctant to have it done. What do you think about microchips being implanted in somebody's hand? Would you agree to have a chip put in your hand for convenience at your workplace?