Implanting an NFC Chip into the Hand – When Technology and Humans Merge

HPX24h > Science > Implanting an NFC Chip into the Hand – When Technology and Humans Merge

In the modern world, technology continuously changes the way we live and work. One of the most prominent recent trends is implanting NFC (Near Field Communication) chips into the human body. Despite being relatively new, this technology has quickly gained attention due to its ability to offer convenience and optimal security. The NFC chip has only 880 bytes of memory, enough to store information such as electronic keys, identification codes, or other essential personal data.

Oesterlund, a Swedish tattoo artist, is one of the first to implant an NFC chip into his hand to serve as a key to his studio. He shares: “When the key becomes part of your body, I never have to worry about losing it or someone stealing it.” This is a typical example of the convenience that this technology can bring to everyday life (Oesterlund, 2021).

Some people view implanting NFC chips into the body as part of the “cyborg” trend—where humans and technology become inseparable. This is also why more and more people, especially in the tech and security industries, are choosing to undergo this procedure. According to a report from AFP, there are currently around 10,000 people worldwide who have implanted NFC chips into their bodies. This not only helps them open doors or make quick payments but also enhances security, as the chips are integrated into the user’s body, preventing loss or theft (AFP, 2021).

An employee from Kaspersky, the renowned cybersecurity company, shared: “At first, I felt very strange having an object in my hand… But then I realized I had forgotten what it was like to carry a keycard or open a door with a physical key.” This highlights the profound change in human habits when NFC technology has replaced everyday items (Kaspersky, 2020).

However, not everyone fully supports implanting NFC chips into the body. Some security experts are concerned about privacy and data security issues. By implanting NFC chips into their bodies, users could become targets for cyberattacks or lose control of their personal information. These experts advise that although the technology provides convenience, there should be strict protective measures in place to prevent potential risks.

“As humans become more dependent on technology, it could create a future where people not only live with technology but integrate into it. But because of this, we must be cautious about the impact that technology could have.” (World Economic Forum, 2022)