[...]

Graafstra's experiments piqued the interest of geeks around the world and he estimates there are perhaps more than 20 people who have implanted the RFID tags. There's even an online group, the 'Tagged' RFID implant forum, where members share their implant stories and photos and vigorously debate the merits and risks of putting computer chips under their skin.

While the ogre of Big Brother, (or George Bush as some forum participants fret) looms large in the debates, the RFID experts say users have little to worry about, since the technology transmits no more than a few inches. And Graafstra said his implant has encryption so even if someone were two inches away with a reader, they would learn little.

'There aren't a lot of people doing implants, because there aren't a lot of doctors willing to do the implants,' said Dan Henne, vice-president of Calgary's Phidgets Inc. 'And there is always the unfounded fear that somehow government is going to use this to track people.

'But the technology has its limitations. If you had an entire research group you might be able to read a person's tag a couple of metres away. It takes an awful lot of science to do that.

'I'm sure the CIA would love it but it won't work.'

Aside from the Big Brother and privacy concerns, Dr. Morris VanAndel, registrar of the British Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons said there are no ethical considerations that would prevent a doctor from implanting the chips.

So if your boss tells your doctor to implant your company pass card info into your arm, the answer would be no. But if you're tired of being locked out of the house, or your gym club is threatening to bar you if you forget your pass one more time, an implant could be the answer.

[...]

[CLB: Makes me wonder what form of security model protects both access and information on these implants.]