Ethical implications of implantable radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags in humans.
This article reviews the use of implantable radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags in humans, focusing on the VeriChip (VeriChip Corporation, Delray Beach, FL) and the associated VeriMed patient identification system. In addition, various nonmedical applications for implanted RFID tags in humans have been proposed. The technology offers important health and nonhealth benefits, but raises ethical concerns, including privacy and the potential for coercive implantation of RFID tags in individuals. A national discussion is needed to identify the limits of acceptable use of implantable RFID tags in humans before their use becomes widespread and it becomes too late to prevent misuse of this useful but ethically problematic technology.
Foster
Kenneth R
KR
Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 240 Skirkanich Hall, 210 S. 33rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6392, USA. kfoster@seas.upenn.edu
Jaeger
Jan
J
D000329:Advertising / Q000941:ethics; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D002417:Cattle; D003068:Coercion; D030881:Disclosure / Q000941:ethics; D004582:Electronics, Medical / Q000941:ethics; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science / Q000941:ethics; D010355:Patient Identification Systems / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000941:ethics*; D011846:Radio Waves; D012449:Safety; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration