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Executive summary
Conceptual of artificial intelligence and computer technology have included development of
smaller and more sophisticated chips and sensors into everyday items. RDIF chips is one of
them. These smart chips can learn their surroundings, interact, and therefore help customers
to perform their tasks in a different and intuitive manner. The paper poses some concerns
with the possible use of RFID chip implants in human being. The aim of this paper is to
highlight the major advantages and disadvantages of RFID implantation. In addition, this
paper provides an overview of the legal regulation that should be considered to avoid the
misused of technology advancement. The paper seems to cover the overall information
regarding the RFID implants.
Introduction
In the global Internet technology environment, RFID technology is expected to thrive and to
play an important part. It is used in multiple systems and offers a variety of new applications.
Its application ranges from information access and passport control, animal tracking, device
control and many others. In general, the RFID chip is a small two-way radio of
approximately the size of a rice grain that contains a large variety of data. The chip is
implanted underneath the skin, and when scanned the chip will have precise user information,
for example access to a database via the person's ID number. The data is stored on an
integrated circuit in an RFID tag and sent via an antenna to the reader. In general, an RFID
reader is a radio frequency receiver regulated by a microprocessor or digital signal processor.
The reader is able to record and transmit data from the tag with an antenna attached to it,
where the information is being stored.
Kevin Warwick, a professor of cybernetics at Reading University in the UK, was the first
human to inject an RFID chip into his arm in 1998. The objective was to verify if his
computer could control his motions wirelessly inside the university. Once Applied Digital
Solutions in Florida started experimenting in the early 2000s with the implantation into
ordinary people of its VeriChips–which is now named PositiveID–the technology continued
to take flight and was approved by the FDA in 2004.
Originally these chips were used for identification of cattle and pet animals. However, this is
not the only usage. These days RFID chips are widely implemented and can be used from a
business point of view in transportation, banking security and medical access and as an
employment instrument to improve their productivity and efficiency. Thus, RFID is one of
the automated identifications and data collection strategies.
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Benefits:
The RFID chip can be convenient tool, especially in emergencies like instant access to
someone’s identification and right medical information.

▪ Identification:
RFID implants offer the virtual world a digital interface focusing on the identity of the
holder. We already have microchips in our passports, IDs and driving licenses and which will
need a limited improvement in technology at train, bus stations and airports, to switch from
scanning passports to scanning arms.
▪ Medical history:
An embedded RFID chip may be used to access your medical history quickly: the
medications that you have had in the past, your allergies, your prescription and any other
medical information, especially when a patient is unconscious. These devices are particularly
advantageous for patients with diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition,
the chip contains an inimitable code, which can be used to access the data in a folder instead
of the patient’s medical history.
▪ Infant and elderly safety:
It is not uncommon for infants that they can be mixed up at hospitals, for the aged or
patients to escape health centres or for prisoners to get out of prison. Usually, children may
get lost in a crowd, run away from their homes or be abducted. In such situations it ensures
sense of security for millions of caretakers, relatives and parents to track people. A RFID
device will considerably reduce the risk of a disastrous incident.
▪ Power to control devices:
Imagine you will automatically start your car and unlock your front door when you enter it,
turn your favorite TV channel on as you sit on the couch, and make sure the weather is
correct when you are coming home from work. With an RFID implant this is possible to
introduce a digital identity into the real world.
▪ Law enforcement and gun control:
Browning, Smith & Wesson have already created a firearm implant system which only
enables the registered owner to fire his guns. Even in the situation where a firearm has been
stolen and children mistakenly discover a firearm or it end up in the wrong hands, it will no
longer lead to dangerous scenarios. Furthermore, GPS will notify you when, where and by
whom the weapon has been fired.
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Disadvantages:
Despite the several benefits, RFID implants has some serious disadvantages primarily related
to technological protection and privacy, health issues and social issues.
▪ Privacy invasion:
The RFID chip poses one of the most controversial issues that is privacy invasion (Freeman,
2007). “Security and data privacy experts agree that these emerging innovations are always a
step ahead in ensuring that they are secure. Any new development redefines privacy and
security and needing more technical expertise and legal protection”. The information from the
chip can be transmitted every time a chip passes a radioactive frequency reader (Freeman,
2007). This is risky as the information might be in the wrong hands (Freeman, 2007). Also, in
consumer goods that you buy in the store, RFID chips are found, If you buy a product and
leave the store and the chip is not disabled, the item is easily traceable by the consumer,
which is a privacy invasion (Freeman, 2007).
▪ Threat to health:
A probable concern is that these chips are not usually in place. They often travel to several
other areas, which makes finding them difficult, which is particularly problematic in medical
emergencies. Additional risks comprise electrical hazards, harmful tissue reactions, infections
and medical equipment incompatibility, such as MRI machines. Patients cannot use metal or
microchips, during an MRI scan. The risks linked with such medications and the problem of
interference with electrosurgical and electromagnetic devices and defibrillators are present as
well.
Data theft:
RFID chips are also susceptible to manipulation, as in most new technological developments.
As they hold excessive information, they can be a major destination to people with bad
intents, like hackers. Recognize that your chip data is not only accessible, it is also writable.
This would lead to the theft, destruction or duplication of your data That means that hackers
can use and duplicate the details or overwrite it with their own, changing your physical
identity.
Use of RFID in Nepal
In Nepal, a registration number is issued to all road vehicles with or without motors (other
than bicycles). License plates are usually referred to as number plates. On 21 August 2017, a
new format was later introduced. This structure consists of L, LL, NNNN, in which, L is
vehicle category, LL is a “counter” of two letters that increase after sequence number reaches
9999. And, NNNN is an 0001 to 9999 sequence number. Such plates come with an RFID
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microchip, allowing the government to preserve uniformity and prevent duplication in the
issuing of number plates. The new number plate often assists authorities in maintaining
digital records of motor vehicles, trying to collect revenue on time and preventing automobile
theft.
Legal regulations
As technology is emerging and continues to improve, it is necessary to ensure that people’s
right to privacy remains safeguarded. The disruption caused by advanced technology are the
greatest part of ignorance. Thus, the establishment of uniform legislation is crucial to assure
that the technology is not misused.
Adequate steps by RFID developers and manufacturers, notably by government
organisations, must be recognised for the security risks of RFIDs. Furthermore, the federal
government should protect the advancement of technology along with people’s welfare by
passing legislation that mirrors their protection and safety.
In 2008, at least 28 states had RFID laws awaiting (Burnell, 2008). Likewise, in 2003, an
advocacy group named CASPIAN (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and
Numbering) introduced the RFID Right to know Act of 2003. This model act was designed to
regulate the early phases of the RFID revolution. Further, the proposed regulations would
require any consumer of RFID-technological goods to explicitly indicate that the technology
is integrated into the product. In either way, the RFID chip may have to be visible on the
package, usually by changing the colour of the label or by stating "RFID tag placed here." In
addition, it would be prohibited for the data collected to be transferred electronically to any
third party.
Similarly, another act is ECPA (Electronic Communications Privacy Act) which forbids "any
person who, unless the conduct is explicitly permitted or expressly not protected, is
prohibited from deliberately intercepting or attempting to intercept wire, oral or electronic
communications by means of electronic, mechanical and other devices.
As the acts are aimed to protect the consumer privacy rights. Consequently, more acts must
be enacted and pre-existing act must be amended. This will be is an effective way of
enforcing new RFID regulations.
Individuals are entitled to know the technical description of the products they use. Therefore,
the consequences of RFID systems should be openly discussed to the public and they must be
aware of the use of device before implantation.
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The legal regulation should prioritize human health and environmental quality against
hypothetical threats. In addition, a sufficient degree of restrictiveness must be preserved in
relation to the issue of privacy.
As a result, the only way to safeguard consumer privacy is to make standardized regulations
against the unpredictable risk of advanced technology, and the implementation of legislation
is therefore imperative. The introduction of such regulations would not impede the
development of technology, but will improve the development of technology.
Conclusion
As the production and implementation of the implantable microchip continues to evolve
across the citizens and countries. However, it poses concerns that need to be discussed. RFID
has become one of the most convenient resources for people's daily lives. But, along with its
several potentials, there are drawbacks that affect consumer privacy and pose uncertain
threats. Various acts and regulations should be enacted to ensure the safety of customers. As,
law enforcement can be an effective measure to preserve the privacy of users.
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References
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Freeman, E. H., 2007. RFIDs and Personal Privacy. Information Systems Security, 16(1), p. 61.
J.R.Smith, 2005. RFID-based techniques for human-activity detection. Caommunications of the ACM,
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