Michigan’s House of Representatives passed a controversial bill that would allow companies to microchip their employees under the guise of “protecting their privacy,” reports greatgameindia.com.
The Microchip Protection Act would allow businesses to microchip their employees with their consent.
The Bill was sponsored by Republican Rep. Bronna Kahle.
“With the way technology has increased over the years and as it continues to grow, it’s important Michigan job providers balance the interests of the company with their employees’ expectations of privacy,” Kahle said in a statement.
“Microchipping has been brought up in many conversations as companies across the country are exploring cost-effective ways to increase workplace efficiency. While these miniature devices are on the rise, so are the calls of workers to have their privacy protected.”
Each chip is roughly the size of a grain of rice. They would be implanted into the hands of employees and would act as a replacement of ID cards, badges, timecards, usernames and passwords and even credit cards.
Kahle foresees the microchipping of employees becoming standard business practice in Michigan in years to come.
“Despite this type of technology not quite making its way into our state yet, I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a standard business practice statewide within the next few years,” Kahle said. “We should absolutely take every step possible to get ahead of these devices.”