Security in data centers has always been a major concern for operators and owners, especially in collocation sites. But how far should you extend security measures? In 2006, it was widely reported that Cincinnati based video-surveillance firm CityWatcher.com, mandated any employee that worked in its secure data center to get implanted with one of VeriChip's implants. Two of its employees received the implants.
However, there are now concerns over the health implications of implanting RFID chips in individuals, and wider public safety concerns. In June, the state of Wisconsin passed a bill making it illegal for anyone, including employers and government agencies, to implant such microchips into people without their consent. The state became the first to institute such legislation when Governor Jim Doyle (D) signed it into law on May 31.
State Rep. Marlin Schneider (D) introduced the legislation, Assembly Bill 290, on April 4, 2005, primarily to protect individual rights so companies couldn't use the technology to track employees' every move.
The LA Times has reported that the California State Senate has passed a bill that goes one step farther, by banning employers from requiring employees to receive implants.
Indeed, security researcher Jonathan Westhues has shown how a hacker can clone a chip and theoretically duplicate someone's implant to access a secure area.