This week science fiction writer Elizabeth Moon argues that everyone should be given a barcode at birth.
“If
I were empress of the Universe I would insist on every individual
having a unique ID permanently attached - a barcode if you will; an
implanted chip to provide an easy, fast inexpensive way to identify
individuals.
It would be imprinted on everyone at birth. Point the scanner at someone and there it is.
Having
such a unique barcode would have many advantages. In war soldiers could
easily differentiate legitimate targets in a population from non
combatants.
This could prevent mistakes in identity, mistakes that
result in the deaths of innocent bystanders. Weapons systems would
record the code of the use, identifying how fired which shot and leading
to more accountability in the field.
Anonymity would be
impossible as would mistaken identity making it easier to place
responsibility accurately, not only in war but also in non-combat
situations far from the war.”
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