DARPA Developing Microsensor to Detect Covid Infections
The Claim
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is creating a subdermal microchip that can detect coronavirus in a person’s body.
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Emerging story
False conspiracy theories of coronavirus-related microchips have been circulating since 2020. Initially, these theories claimed that Bill Gates was using the coronavirus vaccines to implant tracking devices into people. These claims have already been debunked.
Recently, new articles have emerged which state that the U.S. Government’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DARPA, is creating its own microchips. Some articles have made extreme claims about the microchip, such as that it is a tool for government surveillance and that it can control human DNA.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation has discovered that it is true that DARPA is creating a sensor that is implantable within human skin to detect coronavirus. It is for diagnostic purposes, and there is no evidence that it can alter human DNA. This chip has not been placed into any coronavirus vaccines and is not intended for surveillance purposes.
News of this sensor first appeared on the CBS show 60 Minutes in April, 2021. The show interviewed the head of DARPA’s rapid vaccine efforts, Colonel Matt Hepburn. He described some of DARPA’s current anti-pandemic efforts, which included the development of a subdermal testing implant.
Colonel Hepburn referred to this implant as a sensor that was made up of a tissue like gel instead of a microchip. The function of the sensor is easy to compare to that of a microchip. The word “microchip” may not strictly define this sensor, but it would insert electronic technology into a human. The 60 Minutes report stated that it does contain a transmitter and it does, “continuously test your blood.” This sensor then detects whether a person will have coronavirus symptoms the next day. Further testing is required to confirm that the cause of these symptoms is coronavirus, meaning that technically, it is a slight oversimplification to state that the sensor detects coronavirus. The 60 Minutes report also claimed that the sensor was in late stage testing. Other sources have referred to this sensor as a microchip.
Additionally, the 60 Minutes report makes it clear that the sensor is planned for usage within a military setting, to confine outbreaks among members of the armed forces. It is not likely for the sensor to be implemented among civilians.
