Factories, universities, sports leagues and organizations of all types are beginning to test or implement invasive wearable medical surveillance devices . In addition to measuring vital signs, some also measure proximity amongst people, and issue an alert when 6 ft distance is breeched. Devices, like BioButton, are being touted as a tool to ensure public safety in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and to facilitate a return to normalcy.
But, at what cost?
“It’s chilling that these invasive and unproven devices could become a condition for keeping our jobs, attending school, or taking part in public life. Even worse, there’s nothing to stop police or ICE from requiring schools or employers to hand over this data.” Quote from Albert Fox Cahn, Executive Director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, a nonprofit in Manhattan.