[SkyPilot]

They always sell you slavery on the pretext that it is really freedom and security:

In addition, requiring the use of a four-digit personal identification number (PIN) to complete a sales transaction would provide even greater safety. To be frank, there is no consensus across the business community on the use of PINs in conjunction with chip-enabled cards. But Target supports the goal and will work toward adoption of the practice in our own stores and more widely.

Keep this in mind also: the website "The Hill" in which this editorial/blog was published is one of the most widely read by Washington politicians, staffers, and lobbyists.

I believe the "smartcard" for every man, women, and child will take hold. Eventually it will be an issued card with a PIN, similar to the Common Access Cards (CAC) that the US military, US Government, and many companies now use.

You will also be given the option of using your Smartphone. Payment via Smartphone is now proven technology, and (so far) secure. It will also be "sold" to the American public as part of immigration "reform" and also "tax reform." It will also be sold as part of the War on Drugs (because it will eventually replace cash transactions). All electronic financial transactions are already tracked. All of them.

Thumbprint scans already come with every single new iPhone so that only you can use it. To those who believe in Bible prophecy, hang onto your hats.

Individual QR-type technology is already here.

I think we are still many years away from employing this. It would have to be in use and authorized worldwide with a common set of parameters, and based on common currency. But all the foundations are now there.

[SkyPilot]

Ping

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Never let a crisis go to waste.

[Vigilanteman]

I lived in Japan from 1988 to 2002. Almost every credit card issued there had ICC technology when we came back over 10 years ago.

In addition, new ATM cards and credit cards were always sent registered mail (had to sign for it), even though credit card fraud is minuscule compared to the U.S.A.

I don't know why we've been so slow to embrace the technology.

[lurk]

Sub-dermal chips. Now, that would be absolutely secure, eh?

[chris37]

Generally, when they put in the word “smart” to describe a product, it means it’s not.

For example the “Smart Car”, and the “Smartphone” and the “Smart Meter”.

It’s a trick, don’t fall for it, or I’ll laugh at you.

[Buckeye McFrog]

Or they can just stamp “666” on your forehead...

[metmom]

Cash for me.

[GraceG]

How about carrying cash + Self defense measures ie. firearms....

Seems a LOT more secure than current methods which provide neither...

[sportutegrl]

As long as you don’t have to have one to vote, I’m good with it. (Extreme Sarcasm Alert.)

[familyop]

"I believe the 'smartcard' for every man, women, and child will take hold."

Microchip and track the political/reguator class--every man, woman and child--after their debt regime finds its conclusion of repudiation and end of foreign trade.

[familyop]

Everyone with an ongoing good moral education should move toward using cash.

[Alex Murphy]

And here I was thinking it’s time for cash again.

[dalereed]

I’ll quit credit cards if they try to make chip imbedded ones mandatory.

I won’t have a smart phone either.