Normally I'd oppose legislation to avoid a problem that does not exist. However, this one strikes me as a reasonable regulation by the California legislature.

Tackling a dilemma right out of a science fiction novel, the state Senate passed legislation Thursday that would bar employers from requiring workers to have identification devices implanted under their skin.

State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) proposed the measure after at least one company began marketing radio frequency identification devices for use in humans.

The devices, as small as a grain of rice, can be used by employers to identify workers. A scanner passing over a body part implanted with one can instantly identify the person.

"RFID is a minor miracle, with all sorts of good uses," Simitian said. "But we shouldn't condone forced 'tagging' of humans. It's the ultimate invasion of privacy."

Simitian said he fears that the devices could be compromised by persons with unauthorized scanners, facilitating identity theft and improper tracking and surveillance.

The bill has been approved by the state Assembly and now goes to the governor.

Nine senators opposed the measure, including Bob Margett (R-Arcadia), who said it is premature to legislate technology that has not yet proved to be a problem. "It sounded like it was a solution looking for a problem," Margett said. "It didn't seem like it was necessary."

I was surprised, though, to find out that one company, based in Ohio, already requires RFID chips for employees so that they can be tracked in the workplace.

To be honest, I'm glad to see legislatures preempting this. While I'm willing to give employers wide latitude on some things, chipping their employees crosses a line. It strikes me as a violation of one's bodily integrity that no employer has a right to demand.

Posted by: Greg at 09:54 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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