7/23/08

The microchipped licence will tell all

There is a new and developing twist in the movement to microchip humanity. This one is called the "enhanced driver's licence." British Columbia is currently trying it out with 500 volunteers and someday the microchip may show up as integral to all driver's licences. If you don't have a driver's licence you may be included in the microchipped club with a microchipped identification card issued to everyone. The enhanced driver's licence is being tested in B. C., with Ontario watching from the wings.

The new twist is that each of these driver's licences will broadcast a number which, when picked up with an appropriate receiver, will translate into a screenload of data about you with access to everything from your birth date to what you had for breakfast at the local greasy spoon. The present design gives the chips a broadcast range of 10 metres.

This has come to the fore as a way of easing border-crossing issues between Canada and the United States. As you cruise up to the gate the border guard will not even need to have you stop. He will have your number before you even get to the gate and can decide to stop you or just give you the wave if he determines that you are one of the good guys. ...more

7/18/08

DARPA plans soldier-tagging system for US troops

DARPA, the Pentagon boffinry outfit which bestrides the tech world like some mighty, erratic robot colossus with a frikkin laser beam on its head, has made a new move. The plan is to electronically tag US combat soldiers in a similar fashion to criminals under judicial restraint, the idea being that the troops can then be swiftly found and rescued if they get into trouble.

DARPA calls the plan "Individual Force Protection System", and it intends to have it taken forward by monster US defence contractor Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Apparently in DARPA's view, "SAIC is the only known source in the case of a follow-on requirement with the in-depth knowledge and experience with the Individual Force Protection System"....more