Chip firm wants to keep an eye on your sick relatives

The technology company Three Square Market made headlines last year for implanting microchips in the arms of nearly 100 employees, allowing them to open doors, log on to computers and purchase snacks from company vending machines with a simple swipe of the arm.

The chips were initially little more than an innovative novelty, but now the Wisconsin-based firm — which designs software for vending machines — has a more ambitious plan, according to their chief executive Todd Westby.

During an appearance on CNBC, Westby said his company is working on a more sophisticated microchip that is powered by human body heat and includes GPS tracking capabilities and voice activation.

The idea of microchips with GPS tracking may scare some and Three Square Market officials admit the chips will offer a convenient way to track people — especially those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Patrick McMullan, president of Three Square Market and chip technology business Three Square Chip, told CNBC the goal is a “worthy cause”. “It’s not only GPS, it’s not only voice activation, it’s working on monitoring your vital signs,” McMullan said. “And there are different medical institutions that obviously want that.” He added: “It’s going to tell my . . . doctor’s office I have an issue.”

Proponents of medical microchips point out that the devices could contain someone’s entire medical history. If a patient was unconscious or suffered from memory loss, for example, those records could prove invaluable for emergency room doctors who might be unfamiliar with the person’s prescribed medications or history of illness.

Critics say the practice raises serious privacy concerns, especially when considering who would be responsible for the mountains of personal data.

Westby told CNBC that 92 out of 196 of the company’s employees have accepted chips and only one person has had the rice-sized device removed.