Gulf News: Should everybody be microchipped?
Shan Fazelbhoy
No, because it has more to do with privacy. You will be open to a lot of people you do not know and these things have a way of travelling, so where does it end? I'm definitely against it.
It's your privacy and everyone can have access to it. It could get into the wrong hands.
Soumiya Hussain
Yes, as my bag gets heavier every year. First you just had your cash and your credit card. Now there are many such cards. If you have a microchip in you, you can walk around without a passport, you don't have to carry much identification. If you are hit by a car and an ambulance arrives, they know everything about you — your medical history, everything.
A microchip should not be something that would be harmful to your health and it should be encrypted — nobody should be able to just come and have access to your data.
This is the same way in which your phone should be encrypted, as well as your computer. As the world evolves, the encryption policies evolve, too. Today your data might be at risk, tomorrow maybe not.
Aisha Samrah
Firstly, as Fazelbhoy said, a microchip is an invasion of privacy. Secondly, a microchip, if it is being used for a medical purpose, might give you all the information you need. However, it hampers your ability to use your mind in providing health care.
Gulf News: Microchipping is the best way to eliminate crime?
Shan Fazelbhoy
I get the point of this argument but the more you do, criminals and technologies advance, too. So, they are just a step behind you every time and will find a way around it.
To eliminate crime, more than anything else, it is a question of going back to your basic values. You have to learn to trust one another and be a bit open. I think microchipping is getting us further away from that. And I don't think that's the way we should be moving, because we've already gone too far down that path.
Soumiya Hussain
When you are under a watch, when you are under the radar, there is a lesser chance of a crime being committed. There is greater reassurance that the society is safe.
Also, if we go to hotels and other places, there are cameras there, so already our privacy is invaded.
What does it matter that you have a microchip in your body?
Aisha Samrah
It may be a good way to eliminate crime in the future. However, in today's world, where there are many rural areas, there is no way the technology can reach there. So, the niche that we are drawing is still very small. The way to eliminate crime is by increasing acceptance in society — crimes occur when individuals are not being accepted for the way they are.
There is frustration; they are receiving too much opposition, which often turns a normal person, who may not be born a criminal, to turn into one.
Gulf News: Microchipping would leave no room for dissent against what are perceived to be the accepted norms and values.
Shan Fazelbhoy
For sure, I mean power corrupts, right? Whoever is up there would definitely be taking advantage of such a system. It happens to everybody — you put them in a position where they have a little power and it would lead to corruption.
Soumiya Hussain
I think it depends on the technology for microchipping. For example, if you agree to get microchipped, you should have the power to switch it off and on when you want. You only give away the information that you want to give away.
You need to have that authority. If you are given that option, everybody would want to get microchipped. Also, we should know who is reading our data — is it someone in power, is it the government or is it the police? You need to know that your whereabouts are not being scrutinised.
Aisha Samrah
No, it is a question of your identity. If people are microchipped, everyone's identity will be revealed. A very intelligent hacker can use even the slight bit of information you give to get to you, it doesn't matter if the information is personal or not. The security factor is always a concern when it comes to anything to do with technology.
Shan Fazelbhoy
That's true. With the idea of microchipping stopping crimes, you are starting off on a negative. Everyone is immediately a threat.
Soumiya Hussain
When it comes to children, they are the least protected in society, because they are the most innocent. I think parents would be more at ease if they knew where their child was all the time. They should have it until they reach an age when the child can decide whether they want to remove the microchip or leave it in.
I wouldn't mind my child being microchipped, I would be much at peace. I don't know when I leave my child with the maid, if the maid is taking her anywhere outside. I would personally be relieved if my child had a microchip.
Conclusion
- Readers feel microchipping is an invasion of privacy.
- It will not necessarily reduce the crime rate or address terrorism significantly.
- Readers feel it might be okay to microchip children.
- If people get microchipped they want the right to be able to control the data being sent.
Participants
Shan Fazelbhoy
Owner of an online art gallery and blogger
Soumiya Hussain
IT professional
Aisha Samrah
Freelance writer and blogger
