Rise of Consumer Neurotechnology: A New Frontier in Privacy and Disinformation

Your brain, once your most private sanctuary, is now on the brink of becoming the center of a new battleground for intellectual manipulation and disinformation. With the advent of neurotechnology, which can not only read but also influence brain activity, concerns over privacy and cognitive interference are reaching unprecedented levels, surpassing even the fears surrounding generative AI.

While neurotechnology has long been employed in medical contexts for monitoring neurological conditions, consumer devices are on the verge of mainstream integration. Apple’s Vision Pro, set to debut on February 2, and Meta’s neural smartwatch, expected in early 2025, herald a new era where brain data becomes accessible beyond medical realms.

Recent strides in neuroscience and AI have paved the way for enhanced consumer applications, including sophisticated brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) like Elon Musk’s Neuralink. These innovations promise transformative abilities, such as enabling paralyzed individuals to type or play video games through brain implants.

However, this proliferation of consumer neurotechnology brings forth a wave of unprecedented challenges, from disinformation to cognitive manipulation.

As the final piece in the puzzle of data collection, brain data offers insight into individuals’ thoughts and emotions, surpassing traditional metrics like clicks and swipes. Disinformation stands to be turbocharged by neurotechnology, as algorithms can now tailor content based on individuals’ specific feelings and emotional states, creating a feedback loop fueled by brain data.

Nita Farahany, a law professor at Duke University, warns of the serious risks posed by the commercialization of this technology. She highlights the potential for tech companies to wield control over individuals’ cognitive liberty, manipulating their experiences in immersive digital environments.

Policy discussions have traditionally focused on content moderation and platform accountability in combating disinformation. However, the rise of neurotechnology necessitates a shift in focus towards safeguarding cognitive liberty and resilience against algorithmic manipulation based on brain data inputs.

With the impending 2024 elections, which will see over half of the global population casting their votes, the urgency to address these challenges is paramount. Supercharged disinformation, fueled by brain data and generative AI, poses a grave threat to democracy and the digital landscape worldwide.

Preparing for the widespread adoption of consumer neurotechnology requires immediate action. Protections must be established to safeguard the privacy and integrity of brain data, ensuring that control remains in the hands of individuals. This includes on-device processing and stringent regulation to prevent privacy breaches and discriminatory practices.

In essence, the regulation of brain data and its ethical use is crucial to preserving cognitive liberty and protecting against the pervasive influence of powerful entities. Failure to act risks the erosion of privacy, amplification of disinformation, and the loss of the final frontier of human freedom: our cognitive autonomy.