I’ll admit it terrifies me

I would like to address issues raised in this post.  This could be extremely long and technical so I instead will be brief in detail.  If I fail to articulate any particular point, please raise the issue and I will be happy to clarify with further detail.

I find Amal to be sincere and intellectually honest.  I do not believe that he has any devious intentions so do not misinterpret my commentary to be an attack on Amal.  My intention is to add technical clarity.

First, I “spear-headed” an RFID initiative for one of the largest automotive suppliers but I am not going to ask anyone to rely on my opinion.  Our systems have RFID tags on every part and are 100% tested then the data is uploaded to a SAP database.  Every part is tracked and traced all the way to the exit door of the automotive assembly plant.  Parts are even traced at dealers and repair shops for further validation.
 

Response to quotes in this thread
1) “Because implantable tags must use low frequency to communicate through the body, the total readable range of an RFID implant is only 2 to 4 inches.”


Low frequency vs range
The read distance relies on two factors, the RFID tag reader’s RF signal strength and its receiver’s sensitivity.  Hand held and POS (Point of Sale) devices are designed to read only at short ranges or else they would read every RFID tag in a large area.  

The data sheet for Amal’s RFID chips can be found here: http://www.emmicroelectronic.com/webfiles/Product/RFID/DS/EM4102_DS.pdf .  Its operating frequency is 100 to 150kHz according to the data sheet. 

A similar unit “EM4083 - 3D Active Long Range Front-End” Data sheet here http://www.emmicroelectronic.com/webfiles/product/rfid/ds/EM4083_DS.pdf.  This unit is designed for long range 3D tracking (position and locating) and its operating frequency is 115 to 140kHz according to the datasheet. 

Both of these units are designed to run at the same frequency of 125kHz.  I believe that this eliminates the argument that low frequency equals short range.

Realistic Read ranges

The types of readers I used in my application could read any type of RFID tag within 500 feet with 100% read accuracy.  A model similar to mine can be found here.   http://www.iautomate.com/products/Wavetrend-L%252dRX201-Long-Range-RFID-Reader.html.  This unit advertises a 450 feet read range.

The Mexican Attorney General who required his employees to be chipped stated “The system is here and I already have it. It's solely for access, for safety and so that I can be located at any moment wherever I am," he said, admitting the chip hurt "a little.”   “The chips would enable the wearer to be found anywhere inside Mexico, in the event of an assault or kidnapping”.  http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2004/07/64194

I believe that my commentary also covers the issue “Some people are also concerned that some day, a technology may exist to read a passive implanted tag at a longer distance.”  It clearly exists now.

2) “As I said before, at least with RFID, you can opt out by tossing your RFID card or removing the implant”

There are two implantable versions of the RFID chip.  One claims to be non-removable and the other is claimed to be removable.   

From the above article about the Mexican Attorney General

"It's an area of high security, it's necessary that we have access to this, through a chip, which what's more is unremovable," Macedo told reporters.

3) “I seriously doubt there will never be a tangible item like a chip being forced on the public.”

On my web page here, http://www.indexoftheweb.com/Patriot/RFID_Mark_Of_The_Beast.htm  I list several cases where chip implementation is required by governments and employers.  Many states have passed laws prohibiting forced implantation because so many governmental agencies have discussed it.  One memorable case is when California was going to forcibly implant every prisoner and illegal alien.

My Commentary

What this (Amal’s) website is about is a hobby.  The more concerning aspect of this is when implantable RFID becomes secure enough to be used in monetary transactions.  When RFID chips were integrated into credit cards, it resulted in a nightmare due to its lack of security.  The security is improving and RFID credit cards will become the norm.  The next step will be the RFID in the hand.  This will occur only after a more secure platform has been established.  Currently, it is very easy to clone an RFID chip.   

About 3% of the US money supply is hard currency and the remaining 97% is electronic currency. The trend of electronic money is growing.  It is not difficult to see how electronic money can become the only money.

The real problem with this is not the tracking and tracing.  The real problem is control.  Currently, the government can lock your bank account for hundreds of reasons and they often do.  Imagine the possibility of the only being able to access the money in your bank account through a chip in your hand.  Now consider identity theft.

The concept of an electronic money system accessed by a unique identifier is decades old.  IBM has thrown hundreds of millions of dollars at trying to develop such a system.  IBM has financed and bailed out VeriChip, Digital Angel, Applied Digital Solutions or Positive ID (depending on what their name is this week) may times for tens of millions of dollars.  They are the creators of the implantable microchip.

Currently, there are millions of people on the government’s “no fly list” including five and six year old children.  When questioned, the government claims that they no responsibility to respond to any requests as to why or requests for removal.  The Obama administration is attempting to expand the function of the “no fly list” to limit purchases on things such as firearms.

It is not a difficult stretch to see the potential control of the RFID system.