Biohacker fined for implant chip in hand

A biohacker in Australia has been fined $ 220 (£120, $ 170) for removing the chip from a travel card and implanting it in his hand.

Meow-Ludo Disco Gamma Meow-Meow (real name) also has to pay A $ 1,000 in costs.

The case was brought by the New South Wales Transport Authority, which issues the contactless Opal card.

Mr. Meow-Meow was charged with traveling without a ticket, even though the fare was on the chip inside his hand.

It was still capable of being scanned by card readers.

In his most recent Facebook post, he had asked followers to "wish him luck" as he faced court. He had admitted to the accusation.

Biohackers, or bodyhackers, are people who modify their bodies by putting chips, magnets and other technologies inside them.

The chip in Mr. Meow-Meow's Opal card was cut to 10 mm by 6 mm, encased in a special plastic and implanted by a professional puncher.

"You most certainly don't try this at home unless you know what you're doing," he told ABC News.