Wisconsin All Set To Become the First State to Ban Mandatory Implants

Filed in archive Privacy and Security on April 25, 2006

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson, the man who was one of the high profile supporters propagating implanting microchips in people's arm for medical purposes must be in a state of shock. His state, Wisconsin which he used to lead is about to become the first state in U.S. to ban private businesses and governments from forcing implants on employees.

The proposal is aimed at prohibiting anyone from requiring people to have the tiny chips embedded in them or doing so without their knowledge. Violation could result in fines up to $ 10,000. The plan got the approval in the Assembly last month. The legislator wants the law to be in force before companies and government could start tracking their employees.

Katherine Albrecht, a New Hampshire privacy advocate and co-author of Spychips said:

What an interesting irony that the foremost chip promoter in the world comes from Wisconsin and Wisconsin would be the first state to say, 'Hey, at least get our permission first. It's good that lawmakers in Wisconsin are paying attention to the fact that this technology even exists.

I certainly believe that this law is much ahead of times but somebody has said it rightly that prevention is better than cure. Seems to be another victory for privacy advocates.