Controlling the Cyborg: Implantable Technology and Governmentality

Implantable technologies have been available, predominantly in medicine for many decades. From the first internal cardiac pacemaker in 1958, to the more recent intracranial devices for deep brain stimulation in patient's with Parkinson's disease, implantable medical devices have been and continue to be important in healthcare. However, recently there has been a growth in research and development of non-medical implantables, the most common among them being the implantable radio-frequency identification device (RFID). Certain companies in the US and Sweden, among others, have begun to offer their employees the option to have RFID chips implanted under their skin. This allows the employee to access locked areas, check in and out of the workplace, log on to computers, use office tools and equipment, such as photocopiers, and even purchase food at the cafeteria, all with the swipe of a hand.