It is not a redherring. I didn't bother clicking on your link...at work and can't chance that.
Mexico uses implants in certain secure locations for identification purposes. It is being used some in the US for people going to dances so that they don't have to carry a pocket book. You just scan the implant.
These two items were MSNBC online articles.
The connection is, once a few peopel get their ID cards stolen, or lose them, the idea will be to transplant it under the skin. When that happens, No, thanks. I don't put anything under my skin that doesn't need to be there.