UNESCO ( United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the United Nations’ agency for science and culture, has issued a warning about the potential risks to mental privacy arising from the combination of rapid advancements in neurotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). This convergence poses significant ethical concerns, prompting Unesco to develop a global “ethical framework” to address human rights issues related to neurotechnology. While neurotechnology holds great promise for treating neurological disorders and restoring various functions, the integration of AI algorithms has exponentially enhanced its capabilities, enabling unprecedented access to individuals’ mental processes.
Advancements in neurotechnology and AI
Neurotechnology, which involves connecting electronic devices to the nervous system, has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years. Primarily used for neurological disorder treatment and restoration of movement, communication, vision, or hearing, this field has been revolutionized by the integration of AI algorithms. These algorithms possess the ability to process and learn from data in ways that were previously unimaginable, unlocking new possibilities in understanding and manipulating the human brain.
Threats to mental privacy
UNESCO has raised concerns that the convergence of neurotechnology and AI poses a significant threat to mental privacy. As AI algorithms continue to develop, they hold the potential to decode and manipulate individuals’ intentions, emotions, and decision-making processes by analyzing their brain mechanisms. In a recent study conducted in the United States, scientists demonstrated the ability to convert people’s thoughts into written words using brain scans and AI algorithms. Similarly, Elon Musk’s Neuralink gained approval to test coin-sized brain implants on humans, further highlighting the need to address the ethical implications associated with such advancements.
So, UNESCO’s concern about AI-Supercharged Neurotech’s threat to mental privacy appears valid, i.e., well-grounded or justifiable. At best, during these times of competitive tech giants vying for attention, those who cannot cope with the newest technology model are the losers, and the UNECO’s argument is relevant and meaningful, logically correct and a valid argument against those who will make AI the rule rather than the exception for job requirements, i.e., the applicant waives over his right to privacy to qualify for a position.
UNESCO’s perspective
While UNESCO acknowledges the positive impact of neurotechnology, it stresses the urgency of implementing ethical guidelines to protect human rights in the face of rapidly advancing neurotech capabilities. Mariagrazia Squicciarini, an economist specializing in AI at Unesco, highlights the potential of neurotechnology in restoring sight to the blind and enabling paralyzed individuals to walk again. However, with neurotech advancing at an unprecedented pace, the Organization, along with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasizes the necessity of establishing ethical frameworks to safeguard individuals’ rights and privacy.
Growing investment and patents
Investment in neurotech companies has grown exponentially over the past decade, increasing 22-fold between 2010 and 2020 to reach an impressive $33.2 billion. Additionally, the number of patents for neurotech devices doubled between 2015 and 2020, with the United States accounting for almost half of all global patents. These statistics indicate the rapid growth and significant potential of the neurotech market, which is projected to reach $24.2 billion by 2027.
UNESCO’s warning about the potential threats to mental privacy resulting from the integration of AI and neurotechnology highlights the need for an ethical framework to protect human rights. While neurotechnology presents remarkable opportunities for medical advancements and improving the quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders, the increasing ability to access and manipulate mental processes raises important ethical considerations. As the field of neurotech continues to expand, it is crucial to balance technological advancements with the preservation of personal privacy and human rights, ensuring that society benefits from these developments responsibly and ethically.
What could be the black market demands in the AI arena? The answer is a no-brainer (pun intended), these research facilities need human brains, both in vivo and with their original owners.
