## US accepts 'Big Brother' chip implant

> Thursday, 4 April, 2002, 20:37 GMT 21:37 UK

> A company in the US has been given the go-ahead to implant a chip that would contain both personal and medical information.

> But it seems the permission has been given indirectly.

> See also: 30 Aug 01 Microchip able to detect cancer 20 Jun 01 Microchips sort graves from trees 27 Sep 00 Medical microchips' massive potential 24 Mar 02 Chips to fight kidnapping
> 07 Mar 02 Chips to keep family healthy
> Internet links: Applied Digital Solutions

> The US Food and Drug Administration has indicated that it does not consider the chip, made by Applied Digital Solutions (ADS), a medical device, and as a consequence it does not feel it falls under its jurisdiction, according to the company.

> The chip, called VeriChip, has been criticised by anti-intrusion campaigners for its 'Big Brother' capabilities.

> Emergency help

> Applied Digital Solutions have hit back, insisting that the radio signals emitted from the rice grain-sized chip could benefit patients in emergency situations, especially when they are unconscious or otherwise unable to inform medics about known conditions.

> "VeriChip is a ready source of data about the patient's name and condition as well as the medical device's original components, required settings and other essential parameters," the company said.

> "Future applications may include full medical record archival/retrieval for emergency medical care."

> "With VeriChip, Applied Digital has taken another significant step in developing leading-edge personal security technologies for a rapidly evolving marketplace," said chairman and chief executive Richard Sullivan.

> Commercial potential

> The company hopes to make money from the chip by selling it for about $200 (£140).

> A scanner which would be able to decipher the information contained in the chip would cost between $1,000 and $3,000.

> Orginial Source

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