In class a couple weeks ago we were discussing the future of technology and one of the things that came up was the prospect of inserting microchips into our bodies. I was surprised to find that in Sweden, they’re doing just that–in fact, Swedes have been using microchips inserted into their hands to access their apartments and transfer personal information for years now. NPR recently reported that the trend is becoming increasingly popular in the country, so much so that the leading company that produces the chips is having trouble keeping up with the demand. Sweden has had a reputation for being progressive when it comes to adopting new technologies, and NPR reports that “Swedes are less concerned about data privacy than people in other countries, thanks to a high level of trust for Swedish companies, banks, large organizations and government institutions.”
I am curious about the implications of this. Does this recent trend in Sweden mean that it is only a matter of time before such practices become mainstream in the United States and across the globe? Or is Sweden the exception to the rule, and are most people too distrustful and paranoid when it comes to technology to accept something as intimate as putting it under their skin?
When we discussed the concept in class, I was surprised at how many people raised their hands when asked if they’d be willing to accept such a thing. Personally, I was skeptical. The Equifax breach came to my mind, as did that whole Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal. I am reluctant to trust any corporation to use my personal data in a way that is secure and honest.
But, as we’ve seen time and time again when it comes to technology, convenience matters more than anything. And the ability to pay for groceries, board a train, share your LinkedIn info and unlock your apartment, all with the wave of a hand, would be immensely convenient. I am curious to see how high of a price people are willing to pay and how much of a risk they are willing to take for that convenience.