11:26am UK, Tuesday February 14, 2006

Three workers at a security company in the United States have had ID chips implanted in their arms.

It is believed to be the first such scheme in America.

180 computer enthusiasts chips in hands RFID

Tiny ID chips can be inserted under the skin

The three at Cincinnati-based CityWatcher.com, which sells security cameras and other surveillance equipment, are testing the chips to replace standard security IDs that normally hang around the neck.

Among the volunteeers is the company's chief executive, Sean Darks.

The radio frequency identification devices, or RFIDs, have been implanted in their upper arms. They are used to gain access to the firm's surveillance tapes storeroom.

Weblogs have warned that such a move further erodes personal freedom.

But Mr Darks told the Daily Telegraph: ''I'm not going to ask somebody to do something I wouldn't do myself.''