For every new invention or international event, there comes a conspiracy theory or inconceivable rumour to go with it. This one is to do with the UPC barcode which was invented by George Laurer in 1973, and since then has played a pivotal role in the retail and business markets across the globe. And with such widespread usage, it was almost inevitable that certain groups of people would find fault with it and create myths.
Fundamentalist Christians have claimed that hidden in every UPC barcode is the Mark of the Beast – 666 – as referenced in the Bible. This is what it says in Revelation 13:16-18, King James Version:
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their...
