Today in 1996, IBM demonstrated Personal Area Networks (PAN), transmitting data through the human body.
A prototype PAN system allows users to exchange electronic business cards by shaking hands. Says IBM: “A kiss may still be a kiss, but soon even a simple touch can be the conduit for the transfer of detailed business, personal or even medical data using IBM's Personal Area Network (PAN) technology.”
On June 22, 2004, Microsoft received a patent for “Method and apparatus for transmitting power and data using the human body.” The Guardian reported that Microsoft had no specific product in development but suggested possible uses such as “special spectacles with screens that flash up accompanying images and video footage” and using an area of skin as a keypad. The Guardian also mentioned IBM’s 1996 demonstration and that “a spokesman for IBM confirmed the company had filed several patents in the area, but said its research has since moved on.”
IEEE 802.15.6-2012 is the current standard for Wireless Body Area Networks, for “short-range, wireless communications in the vicinity of, or inside, a human body (but not limited to humans).”