Controversy and Criticisms Surround Neuralink’s BCI Project, FDA Approves Human Trials
Neuralink, the brain-computer interface (BCI) project founded by Elon Musk, has been met with controversy and criticisms surrounding its treatment of animals and management practices. The company is currently under investigation by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for alleged violations of animal welfare laws. Reports suggest that Neuralink conducted careless testing without ensuring safety measures, leading to concerns from engineers and researchers about the project’s ability to enhance brain functions without sufficient scientific knowledge.
Furthermore, Musk’s ideas for human enhancement have faced criticism for their potential to increase inequality and create division in society. Last year, the FDA rejected Neuralink’s application for human testing citing concerns over the device’s design and functionality. Questions were raised about its ability to move within the brain without causing damage or brain tissue damage during removal, as well as concerns regarding its operation with a lithium battery.
Despite these setbacks, the FDA has recently approved human clinical trials for Neuralink. The company has been secretive about its research, only revealing limited details to the public. In a video released in 2021, a monkey was shown playing the video game Pong using only its brain signals to control the cursor.
Neuralink is not the only player in the field of BCI, as many other researchers and institutions have been developing and utilizing this technology for various purposes. BCI technology connects the brain with external devices such as computers or robots using electrical signals. Brainwaves, which are oscillating patterns of brain activity, can be measured through an electroencephalogram (EEG).
BCIs can be invasive or non-invasive, depending on the objective. Non-invasive BCIs use external equipment to sense brain signals through an EEG without penetrating the skull. In contrast, invasive BCIs involve surgically implanting a chip or fiber into the brain to directly read and write neural signals. Both types of BCIs have shown promising results in restoring lost abilities such as vision, movement, and speech in individuals who have experienced injury or disease.
However, BCI technology has its limitations and dangers. Volunteers in experiments with BCIs must remain still, and the long-term effects of having a chip in the brain are still unknown. There are also ethical concerns regarding privacy, mind reading, and the potential for misuse or abuse of the technology.
Looking ahead, the ethical and social implications of BCI technology are already a topic of concern. Issues such as equitable access, informed consent for individuals with communication impairments, and the potential for societal discord through selective use of the technology have been raised.
Neuralink, founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a team of scientists and engineers, has faced criticism for its work culture and management practices. In early 2022, accusations were made about the mistreatment of monkeys involved in Neuralink’s research. These accusations included allegations of physical and psychological distress, chronic and painful infections from surgeries, and withholding evidence of monkey deaths. Neuralink denied the allegations but is currently under federal investigation by the USDA for animal abuse.
Despite these controversies, Neuralink has obtained FDA approval for human testing in September this year. The company aims to enable people with paralysis to control a computer’s cursor with their thoughts. However, ethical concerns persist among scientists and the public.
In conclusion, Neuralink’s BCI project has faced controversy and criticisms, particularly regarding its treatment of animals and management practices. While the FDA has approved human trials for Neuralink, concerns remain about the project’s safety and scientific knowledge. BCI technology, although promising, also raises ethical and social considerations that require careful deliberation.
