The Idiot became a Cyborg
I got an NFC chip implanted in my hand at DEF CON 25. Here's why, and what I think about it.
Well, in the most technical sense of the word.
I got an NFC chip installed in my left hand. The Biohacking Village at DEF CON 25 was offering implants to the first 45 eligible people — eligible meaning sober and over 18. Ol’ Jon got lucky number 45. It feels weird to know I can read and write data to my body.
The implant was the xNT NFC Tag by Dangerous Things, installed by a gentleman who goes by the name of Cooper.
I haven’t found the perfect use for it yet. Currently I’ve just written a generic text record (which may or may not be shamelessly stolen from Orphan Black). I’d like to have it as part of some tech scavenger hunt, but I need to kick a few ideas around.
Getting a “body modification” of this type sparks some interesting conversation. “Why would you do that?” “What does it do?” “Can the government track you now?” — all have come up at least twice already.
The consensus from my friends and family is that I’m foolish for getting the chip. I argue that it only cost me $50 and a little bit of my time; I’ve spent much more of both on tattoos that received far less scrutiny. It also lets me better understand this technology and the community surrounding it, which fall well within the scope of my job and my passions.
I can’t fault my friends and family — most of them aren’t very technically inclined. The fear of technology taking over humanity is pounded into their heads on a daily basis. I view this as no more invasive than a dental implant: you don’t need it to live, but it’s kinda helpful.