Why don't they just chip us?

(Source: Switched)

Why don't they just chip us? 'Cause with this, they don't need to.

My brother emailed me the news report, saying that it is now law in South Africa that all cell phones, regardless if it is prepaid or contract phones, must be registered – connecting the phone number and SIM card to your personal details: full names, identity number and address. “The law also made it compulsory for users to report to police should their cell phones be stolen, lost or damaged.”

Dear South Africans – kiss your privacy goodbye. A cell phone is basically a GPS, and henceforth you will be carrying a little beacon device with you, letting the powers-that-be know your every single location 24/7. While it is true that this may be used to combat “national cellphone theft,” the simultaneous loss of freedom is a tremendous price to pay.

It’s reminiscent of the old pass books. I really hope people stand up against this. But of course they won’t, because this whole thing is packaged as an anti-crime solution. Why do I think it is not to be used for the reasons they say it is going to be used for? Because you have to report to the police if it is stolen, lost or broken. The first one relates to crime. The other two is just so that the police know that they cannot track you anymore. I’m disgusted by this. This is better than chipping us – most people will refuse a chip implant, but since cell phones have become so integral to South African culture and society, we willingly accept it. No chips required – just a leash around the neck, without us even suspecting foul play.

Call me paranoid if you wish, but whenever laws are passed they should keep in mind the worst case scenario. The current government may not have any ill intentions with these tracking devices, but that doesn’t for a single moment rule out the possibility that a later government will be as benevolent, nor does it rule out the fact that there have always been corrupt government officials for most of South Africa’s history.

Also read: "No more anonymity under new cell phone law"