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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Babette Josephs |
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Josephs bill to ban the forced human implantation of ID devices passes House
HARRISBURG, June 24 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill introduced by Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., that would make it illegal to force or coerce someone into having an identification device implanted on or under his or her skin.
An identification device would be defined as anything containing or transmitting personal information, such as name; address; contact information, including phone number and e-mail; date of birth; driver’s license; Social Security or state identification number; religion; ethnicity; bank or credit card information; fingerprint or any other unique identifier.
Josephs said the risks to privacy that could occur as a result of such a device on any human, regardless of age or condition, outweigh any possible benefit that could be derived. She also added that some medical experts believe such devices may contribute to causes of cancer.
"Maintaining our personal and our family’s privacy is becoming increasingly difficult," Josephs said. "Any positive impact that an implanted device could have would be eclipsed by the potential damage that could be done if the information was accessed by an outside party not intended to have the information.
"Government organizations, independent researchers, members of the technology industry and civil liberties watchdog groups have all expressed concern about the personal security threat posed by implantation of an ID device."
The chairwoman of the House State Government Committee said that implanting identification devices is part of a larger issue with the increasing number of technologies that can identify a person's personal information or location, including GPS, cell-site location and public surveillance.
"It's already happening. A private company in Florida is testing the safety of its microchip in 200 Alzheimer's patients. With all of these concerns, I believe informed consent is paramount for anyone considering having an ID implanted on or under their skin," she said.
Under the bill, a person would have to be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to undergo implantation, and the consent of a parent, guardian or attorney would not be considered consent.
The bill was amended on the House floor, despite Josephs' objections, to include two exemptions: an individual who is ordered by a state or federal court to be implanted as part of his sentence or condition of probation or parole, and any Guantanamo Bay detainees. Josephs said she hopes the Senate removes these provisions during its deliberations.
A person found in violation would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000. The person who had the implantation would also be able to bring a civil action against the guilty person for actual damages.
So far, California, North Dakota and Wisconsin have passed legislation to prevent such coerced procedures. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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