Bitkom survey: Chip implants an option for many Germans
39 percent of Germans are afraid of chips under the skin, 35 percent can imagine having implants. This is the result of a Bitkom survey.
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Will humans soon become cyborgs? According to a Bitkom survey, many people are not averse to this future. 35 percent of respondents in Germany would have a microchip implanted under their skin to measure their blood sugar levels, for example. A further 2 percent stated that they already had such an implant. 58 percent reject this option. This is the result of a survey in which around 1000 people took part.
According to the survey, acceptance of chip implants is particularly high in the medical sector. 82 percent of those who would consider such an implant would do so to treat serious illnesses and 79 percent to alleviate severe pain. In the case of disabilities that could potentially be alleviated by an implant, the approval rate is 60 percent.
"Chip implants are already being used for certain diseases such as Parkinson's or epilepsy. [...] The more effective these technologies are in the fight against serious illnesses and physical limitations, the more likely they are to be accepted," says Bitkom CEO Dr. Bernhard Rohleder. At the beginning of the year, it became known that the company Neuralink had transplanted a brain-computer interface into a patient.
Health data and everyday functions on the chip
In addition to medical applications, 17 percent of those surveyed would also use the chips to store health data such as blood group or vaccination status. 59 percent even believe that implanted chips could revolutionize medicine.
For some of those surveyed, chip implants could also play a role in everyday life. For example, 39% of those surveyed who could imagine implanting a chip would use an NFC chip to control electronic door openers, 38% would use it to store their ID card or driving license and 22% would use it to make payments.
Concerns
Despite the high level of acceptance, there are also concerns: 41% of respondents consider the use of chips to be unethical, while 39% find the idea scary. 28 percent of those who were open to chip implants hope that they will give them additional capabilities. Six percent would use the chip to always have their business card with them.
(mack)