SCI/TECH: "Intelligent" Implants In The Human Body

Implants that can be controlled wirelessly have been the all the rage in science fiction novels and movies for years but are fast becoming reality in modern medicine. The ability for an implanted medical device to communicate with doctors is now fact and the possibilities for this technology are amazing. Possibilities for this technology include, among other things, such devices as pacemakers that a doctor can adjust from an office hundreds of miles away and medicated implants that can be remotely controlled to adjust dosages as needed without a visit to a physicians office. However this technology has left some to wonder what sinister purposes it could be used for. Whichever side of the debate you stand on there is no doubt, this radical new technology is here now, and it is not going away.



The idea that an implanted device can be controlled outside of the body is fascinating and scary at the same time. The medical benefits are nearly unlimited, allowing doctors to administer life saving treatments to patients without having to have them in front of them and saving precious time in the event of critical heart problems. However one has to consider what this technology can be used for outside of the medical community. What is to stop governments from requiring such implants in people considered threats, implants that report location and activity of a "suspect" at any given time and could release debilitating drugs should the person commit an "offense"? It's not science fiction anymore, it's a real possibility.

Related News Links:
products.zarlink.com
www.electronicsweekly.co.uk
www.reuters.com

We have met the "Borg" and they are us.

This is really just the tip of an emerging iceberg. I for one am glad to see this type of technology implemented. The potential it has for saving lives is enormous. Of course, like every other technology, it has the potential for great abuse. Social ethics and law must be extended constantly to keep pace with new stuff and this is no exception. Let's hope the new devices are EMP proof.

[edit on 12-6-2005 by Astronomer68]

Originally posted by looking4truth
The idea that an implanted device can be controlled outside of the body is fascinating and scary at the same time.[snip] However one has to consider what this technology can be used for outside of the medical community.

So now we have an official acknowledgement of implants being wireless.

Being a conspiracy board, this thread would be incomplete without a consideration for the possibility of implants being used for mind control........actually, a better classification would be "remote manipulation", or "remote induction."

There are various government documents that have illustrated the governments involvement with hypnosis and induction techniques that are quick and discreet......what is more discreet than remote control? Granted, the dependability would be based on the ability for the....

a)implant to be placed on/in the person. Easy enough, as anyone familiar with the benefits of drug/sleep manipulations used in concert.

b)Associations to be made. This would require access to the individual and would have to be kept under the awareness blanket of the individual. A bit more of a concern, since social factors now have to be weighed and the lifestyle habits of the individual would need to be documented and factored. But doable.......again.....once necassary pre-cautions have been identified and followed, drug/sleep manipulations could accomplish this.

Though, due to the depth of involvement required, the idea is not feasible for large scale application. Which needs to be stressed. The fact that this is possible does not preclude that it will be instituted for everyone. The consideration is for unwitting subjects in various experiments, which isn't unheard of in light of past admissions by the government.

The medical benefits are relevant, but potentially unnecassary.......as anyone with any condition should have behaviours already geared towards the awareness and stability of their physical body. Allowing another human with remote access to yourself is taking trust to a whole new level.........

[edit on 12-6-2005 by MemoryShock]

Less a concern about conspiracy or government-run programs, but the misuse by corporations and criminals. If a device is developed to report status, someone else can read it-not just the intended recipients. After that becomes acceptable, the ability to adjust settings by remote is implemented. It's for the "good" of the patient, or the handicapped, or some such noble concern.

A device that can be controlled by remote, will have a way found for otehrs to control it. I don't need mind control or anything esoteric if not only can I shut down or crank up the output of an insulin device, but the patient with such a device is aware I have that capability. Gives new meaning to "pvvn3d".

The view of the conspiracy enthusiast is still on "government" being the "Them" we fear, that suppresses humanity and free will for selfish, short term gains for a select few. Corporations have demonstrated these traits openly, even bragged about them, for decades. So the conspiracists look for links between business and government, thinking erroneously that government really has any part to play. RIAA and the MPAA have made greater crimes from copying songs than beating a spouse, robbing a store or assaulting an old lady for her purse. Enron and Arthur Anderson folks walk away as convictions are overturned. Unsolicited emails, spyware and electronic attacks run rampant as they generate advertising revenue at your expense. RFID "inventory" chips that are designed to run long after the product is sold, carrying massive amounts more data than needed for their job.

What does this have to do with the original thread? Imagine a future where health care is subsidized as a profit generator by pharmaceutical companies. New "Nanny state" laws are passed saying that insulin injections put too much stress and responsibility on the patient and are outlawed. State mandated insulin pumps are the only solution, How to pay for it? Advertising revenue? Corporate sponsorship for tax breaks? Device is then the property of the Company (like RIAA and the MPAA owning all movie and music content even after you buy it) and as such should be allowed to control their own property. Managed and monitored by remote for the patient and the Company's "good."

Hackers, protestors (who often do more damage to promote their "cause") criminal elements, disgruntled workers crash the database and shut down the pumps remotely, or turn them up. Or, the Company wishes to make a point and does so as a deliberate act.

It already started with entertainment products, now it's cars (which for many are crucial to life and making a living independent of welfare and Nanny State "care") which are remotely monitored and soon to be controlled. Can medical devices be far behind?