What Do You Think About a Human Barcode?

The New York Daily Mail reported recently on the controversial subject of putting a human barcode on infants at birth.

This came up after science fiction author Elizabeth Moon raised the issue on a BBC radio program. Moon is reported to have said she thinks every individual should have a unique ID permanently attached, such as an implanted chip, to provide an easy and inexpensive way to identify individuals. In her opinion, it would save money and be more efficient than current ways of tracking people.

While it might help in the case of abductions, runaways or an elderly person who suffers from dementia, the big question is — would it violate our right to privacy? An implantable ID chip, the VeriChip, was reportedly approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about 10 years ago, but was discontinued two years ago because of privacy concerns. However, it is reported that work continues on this idea in the scientific community.

So what do you think? Do the potential benefits outweigh the infringements on privacy? Would you microchip your baby?