TRACER CHIP

The tracer chip is simply a high-tech tracking device. Anywhere the recipient goes the tracer chip is constantly attempting to connect to any open communications frequencies to report the recipient’s location.  It is not uncommon for space stations, starships, and core worlds to have dedicated tracer networks.

Despite being defined as malware the tracer chip has many legitimate uses.  Many non-violent criminals and parolees who are sentenced to house arrest or on a travel ban have been implanted with a tracer chip.  It’s not uncommon for parent to secretly get their kids “chipped” during other standard childhood medical procedures.  If a character buys something on some form of credit it may be a requirement of the seller for them to get “chipped”.

The tracer chip is small enough to be considered a nanoaugmentor, however, it’s only a single chip and not a colony of self-replicating nanobots.