News Sweden Embraces Microchip Implants

[Esoteric7]

In recent years, Sweden has emerged as a pioneer in the adoption of microchip implants, with thousands of citizens opting for this technology to enhance daily convenience.

The cost of microchip implants in Sweden varies depending on the type and functionality of the chip. Basic implants are available for approximately 1,000 to 1,500 Swedish Krona (around $100 to $150 USD). For instance, the procedure offered by certain firms costs about $150. [1]

More advanced versions, which may include additional features or capabilities, are priced around 100 euros (approximately $112 USD). These advanced implants are designed to last for twenty or even forty years, offering a long-term solution compared to health wearables that can cost twice as much and have a shorter lifespan. [2]

Adoption Statistics:
As of 2018, over 4,000 Swedes had implanted microchips under their skin. These rice-sized chips are typically inserted into the hand and serve multiple functions, from contactless payments to accessing secure areas.

Thousands of people in Sweden are having futuristic microchips implanted into their skin to carry out everyday activities and replace credit cards and cash.

More than 4,000 people have already had the sci-fi-ish chips, about the size of a grain of rice, inserted into their hands — with the pioneers predicting millions will soon join them as they hope to take it global.

(...) "Tech will move into the body,” the Biohax International founder told the mag. “I am sure of that.” [3]

Practical Applications:

• Contactless Payments: The chips can store payment information, allowing users to make purchases with a simple hand swipe. The tiny implants use near-field communication (NFC) technology, the same as in contactless credit cards or mobile payments. When activated by a reader within a few centimeters, a small amount of data flows between the two devices via electromagnetic waves.

The chips are designed to speed up users' daily routines and make their lives more convenient — accessing their homes, offices and gyms is as easy as swiping their hands against digital readers. They also can be used to store emergency contact details, social media profiles or e-tickets for events and rail journeys within Sweden. [4]

• Access Control: They function as digital keys, granting entry to homes, offices, and gyms without the need for physical keys or cards.

• Public Transportation: Some have integrated their travel cards into the implants, streamlining their daily commutes.

It’s very futuristic, and it’s incredibly convenient to just scan your hand instead of carrying cards or cash,” said one user. [5]

Cultural Acceptance:
Sweden’s tech-friendly culture and openness to innovation have facilitated the acceptance of microchip implants. The country’s move towards a cashless society aligns with the functionalities offered by these implants, making them a natural progression for many.

Ask most people in Sweden how often they pay with cash and the answer is “almost never.” A fifth of Swedes, in a country of 10 million people, do not use automated teller machines anymore. More than 4,000 Swedes have implanted microchips in their hands, allowing them to pay for rail travel and food, or enter keyless offices, with a wave. Restaurants, buses, parking lots and even pay toilets depend on clicks rather than cash.

Consumer groups say the shift leaves many retirees — a third of all Swedes are 55 or older — as well as some immigrants and people with disabilities at a disadvantage. They cannot easily gain access to electronic means for some goods and transactions, and rely on banks and their customer service. And the progress toward a cashless society could upend the state’s centuries-old role as sovereign guarantor. If cash disappears, commercial banks would wield greater control.

“We need to pause and think about whether this is good or bad, and not just sit back and let it happen,” said Mats Dillén, the head of a Swedish Parliament committee studying the matter. “If cash disappears, that would be a big change, with major implications for society and the economy". [6]

"The chip basically solves my problems," says Szilvia Varszegi, 28, who also uses it to get into her coworking space.

And she uses it to share her LinkedIn details at networking events, avoiding the need to spell out her name. She simply touches another attendee's smartphone and the information is transferred. "When another phone reads the chip, they see the [link] and they can open it in the phone browser," Varszegi explains. [4]

Privacy and Security Considerations:
However, there are concerns about privacy and security, yet proponents of the technology highlight that these implants are passive and can only be read at close range, which minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.

The problem is, who owns this data?” he asked. “Do I get a letter from my insurance company saying premiums are going up before I know I’m ill? If I use the chip to buy lunch, go to the gym and go to work, will someone have all of this info about me? Is this stored and is it safe?”

Libberton added, “It’s not just about the chip, but integration with other systems and data sharing.”

And he fears Swedes are not giving enough thought to the potential dangers.

“People have shown they’re happy to give up privacy for convenience,” he said. “The chip is very convenient, so could we accept our data being shared very widely before we know the risks?” [3]

Privacy is not jeopardized by the implants, according to the company. The chips are not powered, and cannot transmit any data by themselves, so Sjoblad says they should not be looked at as tracking devices.

He also states a position firmly opposed to mandatory implants of the chips for anyone, including prisoners.

A customer of the company tells Tech Xplore that she feels her personal data is better protected on the chip than elsewhere. A recent survey of UK and U.S. millennials suggests that many of them are more comfortable with the idea of implants than sharing their personal data with governments. [7]

It poses the same known data protection issues including the possibility that someone could pick up the signal.

It’s similar to listening in to a directional microphone, you can pick up the RFID signal as well,” explained Eijk, who used to work for the Dutch Data Protection Authority.

In theory, it could be "used in a way that it makes you stand out a crowd as a means to single out you as an individual in a group...if you’re the only one wearing a biochip and everyone else is not wearing them," he added.

It could also get into more complicated data privacy issues if future versions of these chips track your health or other information, Eijk pointed out.

“The only information you ever got about implants is Hollywood pop culture and when it’s Hollywood pop culture, it’s either a giant GPS that Arnold Schwarzenegger pulls out of his nose or KGB polonium or a tracking device. So people are apprehensive,” said Österlund. [8]

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[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...getting-microchips-implanted-in-their-hands/?

[2] https://www.biometricupdate.com/202...-digital-health-pass-storage-under-your-skin?

[3] https://nypost.com/2019/07/14/swedish-people-are-getting-chip-implants-to-replace-cash-credit-cards/

[4] https://www.npr.org/2018/10/22/6588...es-are-inserting-microchips-under-their-skin?

[5] https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2024/01/10/cash-now-extinct-as-citizens-use-implanted-microchips-instead/

[6]https://www.scmp.com/news/world/eur...le-sweden-get-microchip-implants-new-way-life

[7] https://www.euronews.com/health/2020/05/12/will-microchip-implants-be-the-next-big-thing-in-europe

[8] https://www.biometricupdate.com/202...t-digital-health-pass-storage-under-your-skin

 

[Juice]

What in the futurama?

 

[kaijicel]

All according to plan

 

[AutistSupremacist]

The chips should make foids subservient to me

 

[HeinzKell]

I remember seeing news about this a few years ago. Fucking scary

 

[HeinzKell]

The chips should make foids subservient to me

 

[DefeatedIncel]

I've seen this before, it's basically a NFC chip implant. Yes, Sweden is retarded. Most people here are NPCs. Their whole society is built on "Do not question the government, they will take care of you" mentality.

 

[AntoCel]

Damn, kinda like mark of the beast. Do they do it also on forehead? Jfl

 

[AsiaCel]

Satanic shit

 

[biggestloser]

View attachment 1355703
All according to plan

 

[biggestloser]

Damn, kinda like mark of the beast. Do they do it also on forehead? Jfl

 

[biggestloser]

Satanic shit

 

[Stupid Clown]

View attachment 1355703
All according to plan

 

[Based_Catcel]

View attachment 1355703
All according to plan

 

[erenyeager]

I reject this chip.

I will destroy them all