California Prohibits the Forced Implantation of ID Chips in Humans

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law Bill SB 362 prohibiting the forced implantation of radio frequency identification devices (RFID) in humans. This follows similar legislation enacted in Wisconsin and North Dakota. RFID chips are frequently used to identify missing pets, track livestock, or in "wave-and-pay" cards such as Shell easyPay or Esso Speedpass. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a RFID chip for human implantation, manufactured by VeriChip. The purpose of the chip is to allow for patient identification and access to medical records in the event that the person could not communicate. Bill SB 362 was brought forward by Senator Joe Simitian who was concerned with an invasion of privacy with forced human implantation of RFID chips, particularly in the workplace environment. In 2006, Citywatcher.com, a company based in Cincinnati providing video surveillance to the US government and businesses, required employees to be implanted with RFID chips for security purposes. Bill SB 362 applies if a person is "˜required, coerced or compelled' to undergo a RFID implantation including situations where there exists physical violence, threat, intimidation, or as a condition of employment, promotion or employment benefit. There is no restriction on voluntary implantation of RFID chips in humans. For the full text of SB 362, visit: http://tinyurl.com/3bryx7 For a Press Release from Senator Joe Simitian, see: http://tinyurl.com/36kk2u Summary by: Lauren Lodenquai