Further to the thread about the internet... 1984

blazey · 18-06-2009, 06:10

In the other thread about the internet I made a comment about the future being scary and then left it at that, which is quite selfish of me to say the least.

The EU has pumped around €25 billion into researching into the use of intelligence systems to create a ubiquitous environment of surveillance and interaction with computers. For the technicalities, I'd say ask someone who knows more about computers than me, because I can only basically explain it.

Basically, RFIDs will be embedded into absolutely everything you can imagine, including people, and each linked to computer databases with their own unique IP addresses so in theory, everything will be traceable and tracked by what is basically a pervasive surveillance system. The see-all world of computers. You'll no longer need to drive your own car, you'll be able to programme it to drive you wherever you like. You will be able to sit in your chair, and the way you hold your weight in the chair and your particular pressure will be recognised by your computer so then it will be able to log in just for you... and these things are being tested now, not in the far away future.

To push something this intrusive past legislation, they're pushing the health benefits of this sort of technology. It can be used to detect heart failure so it can immediately alert for an ambulance if you have a heart attack for example, which will hopefully save a number of lives each year.

The biggest hurdle for this sort of system is the Data Protection Act, but the benefits of such a system will outweigh this act so we are likely to see a repeal or at least heavy amendments to it if it is to be successful.

So yes, basically that is it. I'll link a few articles so you can have a read.

Not the most reliable source ever used but wikipedia gives a basic idea of ambient intelligence: Ambient intelligence - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Erosion Of Privacy: Safeguards In A World Of Ambient Intelligence

Information Society -

So yes, that is basically the idea of it. I started reading a book about it a few weeks ago that says that anyone should be aware of the potential of this sort of technology today, as it is obviously life changing and quite powerful!

shillelagh · 18-06-2009, 15:04

might be handy for me ...

***Mr D*** · 18-06-2009, 16:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazey

Basically, RFIDs will be embedded into absolutely everything you can imagine, including people, and each linked to computer databases with their own unique IP addresses so in theory, everything will be traceable and tracked by what is basically a pervasive surveillance system. The see-all world of computers. You'll no longer need to drive your own car, you'll be able to programme it to drive you wherever you like. You will be able to sit in your chair, and the way you hold your weight in the chair and your particular pressure will be recognised by your computer so then it will be able to log in just for you... and these things are being tested now, not in the far away future.

The good old RFID.

Wonder how they would impliment it in people, surely not in the right hand. (as written in the bible)

Money controlled by Credits (On you chip), do away with cash, do wrong and they can just turn you off.

I feel the ID card will be the first compulsary way of "chipping" society.

blazey · 24-06-2009, 11:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by ***Mr D***

The good old RFID.

Wonder how they would impliment it in people, surely not in the right hand. (as written in the bible)

Money controlled by Credits (On you chip), do away with cash, do wrong and they can just turn you off.

I feel the ID card will be the first compulsary way of "chipping" society.

I think you may be right about that, but of course the ultimate intention... and indeed capabilities... of these chips is to actually have them within us in some form so that they will be ubiquitous.

Like this I guess, though we will all be monitored

MargaretR · 24-06-2009, 11:09

That latest implant is small enough to be added to a vaccine injection.

***Mr D*** · 24-06-2009, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

That latest implant is small enough to be added to a vaccine injection.

Quite Possible. Happen a few have already been chipped without there knowledge.

Tealeaf · 24-06-2009, 13:27

...and don't forget, girls, that each time you get a butterfly tattooed on your one of your knockers you get a microchip implanted in there as well. If you have lots done you should have enough silicon in there not to need any implants although you might get some funny interference on your mobile.

blazey · 25-06-2009, 15:31

I think it weas Bristol University who managed to glue an RFID onto the back of an ant not so long ago.

I doubt it has been done without someone's knowledge or consent though. It wouldn't be worth risking, besides loads of people would be willing to test it. I'd happily let them test it on me.

Boeing Guy · 25-06-2009, 17:15

Well I would not be willing to have one of these, as someone who will refuse to have an ID card, (which means I cannot hold a UK airside pass, good job I work abroad) I see this as yet another option of control. Why not just give us all Serial Numbers instead.

blazey · 26-06-2009, 02:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boeing Guy

Well I would not be willing to have one of these, as someone who will refuse to have an ID card, (which means I cannot hold a UK airside pass, good job I work abroad) I see this as yet another option of control. Why not just give us all Serial Numbers instead.

They'd all have IP addresses so you could see that as a serial number

I have no problem with being monitored. I'd have to obey the law, though I should anyway, so it would only make me a better person.

Boeing Guy · 26-06-2009, 03:44

It's not about law obeying, these things can be subversive. Who knows what they can be used for?
In the 1930's and 1940's Germany forced Jews to were a Yellow Star, so they could be identified.
Just a thought before you sign away your basic human rights.....

jaysay · 26-06-2009, 09:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boeing Guy

It's not about law obeying, these things can be subversive. Who knows what they can be used for?
In the 1930's and 1940's Germany forced Jews to were a Yellow Star, so they could be identified.
Just a thought before you sign away your basic human rights.....

Spot on BG we are already living in a surveillance society

***Mr D*** · 26-06-2009, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazey

I doubt it has been done without someone's knowledge or consent though. It wouldn't be worth risking, besides loads of people would be willing to test it. I'd happily let them test it on me.

I doubt it too, but without concent or knowledge who would know.

You would let them inplant you with a RFID Chip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazey

I have no problem with being monitored. I'd have to obey the law, though I should anyway, so it would only make me a better person.

How could this chip make you obey the law and make you a better person.

I will not be chipped.

blazey · 26-06-2009, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by ***Mr D***

I doubt it too, but without concent or knowledge who would know.

You would let them inplant you with a RFID Chip.

How could this chip make you obey the law and make you a better person.

I will not be chipped.

Well knowing that I wouldn't be able to get away with doing illegal things would presumably make me stay on the right side of the law. I don't intend on wanting to go to prison.

Also, I don't fear for my human rights and I don't think that is unreasonable.

What will happen will happen regardless of a chip anyway, if that is what the government of the future intends to do.

MargaretR · 26-06-2009, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazey

Well knowing that I wouldn't be able to get away with doing illegal things would presumably make me stay on the right side of the law. I don't intend on wanting to go to prison.

Also, I don't fear for my human rights and I don't think that is unreasonable.

What will happen will happen regardless of a chip anyway, if that is what the government of the future intends to do.

I think that by now most people realise that the selfish interests of political parties quite often doesn't correspond with the wellbeing of the people they were elected to serve.

In that light I think that the laws they pass may often be flawed, because the purpose behind those laws is government self interest.

You may well be faced with compliance with laws which you intuitively know to be wrong.