Data Backup Digest

While it may seem like the next big conspiracy theory, the news that a human being had near field communication (NFC) chips implanted into his hands is absolutely true. The reason he had the NFC chips implanted, according to Martijn Wismeijer, is to better secure his virtual currency. To be more specific, Wismeijer underwent the operation in order to safeguard his Bitcoin wallet from the loss or theft of data.

Martjin Wismeijer, a Dutch professional and Bitcoin user, now has two NFCs - one in each hand - that exist within tiny glass capsules only a few millimeters in size. Located between the index finger and thumb, Type 2 Compliant RFID chips allow him to carry around his virtual Bitcoin wallet wherever he goes.

Another caveat of having your Bitcoin wallet imbedded into your hands is the fact that a virtual wallet, for the most part, consists of data that will be rewritten numerous times. This is easily handled via the use of an NFC-compatible phone, which can be used to scan the chips - through the flesh - and update the necessary information as needed. Utilizing a rewritable system is necessary with such miniscule chips, which are only capable of storing 880 bytes of data at a time.

Mr. Wismeijer spoke candidly, and perhaps rather lightheartedly about the situation. In a recent interview with Artstechnica he quipped: "I use it for cold storage, but it’s not 'cold' because it’s 37 degrees Celsius inside my body."

Stranger still, Wismeijer received the NFC chips, complete with a loaded syringe and instructions, from the website www.dangerousthings.com. Based out of the state of Washington, the website provided Wismeijer with the kit for a nominal sum of $99.

Without his doctor's consent, Wismeijer ultimately had the procedure done at a piercing studio in Holland. As Wismeijer stated in an interview, "My doctor doesn’t like it! He didn’t want to do it, he just wants to make people better, and I’m not sick—I just want this thing inside my body. He was right, so that’s why you need body manipulation artists."

In 2005, Amal Graafstra, founder of dangerousthings.com, had NFC chips implanted into his own hands in order to unlock the Samsung Ezon locks that safeguard his home. The front door of his house senses the presence of the NFC as he reaches for it and unlocks automatically.

Even in Graafstra's case, the integration of the human body and technology of any kind has yet to be explored. Because these two individuals are each breaking new ground in their own rights, it's difficult to predict any potential health risks that may occur due to the presence of the NFC chips. Taking a page from Graafstra, Wismeijer is reportedly considering additional chips to control the locks in his doors, too.

According to Graafstra, however, who has had his NFC implants for nearly a decade now, he can hardly even notice them at this point. He was quoted as saying: “You don’t even think about it—that’s the whole point of implantable technology.”