Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle has signed a new law that would make forced human RFID-chipping a crime.
The law was introduced by Rep. Marlin Schneider (D) as SB 290. The bill passed unanimously by both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature earlier this year. The law makes it illegal to require an individual to have a microchip implant and subjects the violator to a fine of up to $10,000 a day.
In a statement released by Katherine Albrect, a consumer rights activist and author of “SpyChips: How Major Corporations and Government Plan to Track your Every Move with RFID,” the new law is considered a win for privacy advocates.
“We’re not even aware of anyone attempting to forcibly implant microchips into people,” Albrecht said. “That lawmakers felt this legislation was necessary indicates a growing concern that the company’s product could pose a serious threat down the road.”
VeriChip officials were not immediately available for comment on this new law.VeriChip is the only company to receive FDA approval to implant microchips in humans. To date, approximately 2,500 people have received the chip world-wide. The chips have several applications, including gaining access to secure information centers and linking of medical data.
The bill does allow for some exemptions, including cases where implanting is a condition of criminal sentencing or if a parent directs the implantation of a minor.
In 2004, in an attempt to thwart ongoing government corruption, 18 staff members of the Mexican government received the chip implant to allow them access to secure areas within the attorney general’s headquarters in Mexico City.
Closer to home, in February 2006, two employees at CityWatcher.com, a Cincinnati-based video surveillance company, voluntarily received the implant in order to gain access to their secure data center.