A Wisconsin technology firm held a “party” to implant microchips into its workers.
Nearly all employees at Three Square Market, also known as 32M, received the microchips in their hands.
The chip will allow them to buy breakroom snacks, log onto computers, and open doors.
“I planned for the worst and it wasn’t bad at all,” Melissa Timmins, vice president of sales at 32M, told The Associated Press. “Just a little prick.”
Marketing executive Katie Langer said she passed on the chip, citing her health concerns of placing a foreign object in her body. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration passed approval of the chip in 2004.
“But that’s still not very long term in my book, so I’d just like to know more about the long-term health effects,” Langer said of the FDA approval date.
Firm executives said 32M is the first U.S. company to implant microchips into its employees.
“Eventually, this technology will become standardized, allowing you to use this as your passport, public transit, all purchasing opportunities, etc.,” CEO Todd Westby said in a statement.
The microchip, which is implanted beneath the skin between the thumb and index finger, is optional.
“The international market place is wide-open and we believe that the future trajectory of total market share is going to be driven by who captures this arena first,” 32M COO Patrick McMullan said.
