
A microchip implant is a small device, typically about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under the skin of a human or animal. These implants, also known as radio-frequency identification (RFID) implants or transponders, use passive radio-frequency identification technology, which can be scanned from a short distance. In Hebrew, a microchip implant is called שבב מוחדר. In other languages, it is referred to as Implantat in German, puce électronique in French, and microchip implantable in Spanish. Microchip implants are commonly used for identification purposes in pets, allowing veterinarians and animal shelters to scan the chip and retrieve information about the pet's owner. In humans, the use of microchip implants is more controversial and raises significant privacy and ethical concerns. Proponents argue that they can be used for medical purposes, such as storing medical records or monitoring chronic conditions, while critics worry about potential misuse, such as tracking individuals without their consent or exposing personal data to hacking.