Microdots For Security
from the spray-'em-everywhere dept
Maybe the artist in the implanted microchip story below has bet on the wrong technology. Wired has an article about how "microdots" that identify whatever they're placed on are growing in popularity. Among other things, they're now placed on every new BMW in Australia. The company that makes them is based in Australia, so most of their sales wins are located there. The microdots, containing identifying information, are tiny and can be placed just about anywhere. The article repeats a number of claims from companies using them saying that theft rates have dropped dramatically once thieves realize that the products can easily be traced back to their original owners (though... no numbers are given). The article also mentions plenty of potential future uses, including replacing the biochips implanted in cattle and marking documents as a kind of authentication "seal".
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