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WORKING PAPER

Neuralink and Beyond:

Challenges of Creating an
Enhanced Human

D. Gurtner

Internal working paper no 21-01

February 2021
 Neuralink and Beyond:
Challenges of Creating an Enhanced Human∗
Dimitri Gurtner
Swiss Joint Master of Science in Computer Science
University of Fribourg, Switzerland
[email protected]

ABSTRACT relationships are reshaped [23]. For this study, it was of interest to
This article is a literature review of Neuralink, brain-machine inter- investigate Neuralink, BMIs, and transhumanism, which are both
faces (BMIs) and their applications, followed by future possibilities fascinating and frightening. Scientists need to ensure that the bene-
of BMIs and their potential impacts. Currently, BMIs predominantly fits are maximized while minimizing the threats [23]. The fusion of
have therapeutic applications, such as helping people with spinal human beings and machines naturally raises a plethora of ethical
cord injury by allowing them to control a computer directly with questions. Will a brain-machine interface redesign humanity? What
their brain. However, BMIs can also improve learning, detect emo- are the impacts?
tions, and control basic behaviors. In the future, they could offer This study is a literature review, followed by an evaluation of
many powerful possibilities, such as controlling people and merg- the impacts of brain-machine interfaces on humanity’s future. Data
ing our intelligence with artificial intelligence (AI), which may types are mostly secondary qualitative data from peer-reviewed
be necessary to mitigate the existential threat of artificial general scientific papers, which provide a solid basis of knowledge. It gives
intelligence (AGI). Simultaneously, they would likely have severe a well-grounded foundation to my methodological choices. My
human impacts, such as loss of sense of self, erosion of skills, and personal evaluations are also supported by meta-models, such as
privacy issues, creating psychological harm and confusion. This the Spiral Dynamics [3].
paper shows that BMI research could generate drastic changes with The rest of this paper is structured as follows: section 2 shows
no possible return, thus reinforcing the need to urgently address an overview of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) and Neuralink.
these critical issues. In section 3, we describe Neuralink’s showcase application and
other therapeutic applications of BMIs. In section 4, we present
CCS CONCEPTS the current social and cognitive applications of BMIs. Section 5 is
devoted to evaluations, where we will explore future possibilities
• Security and privacy → Social aspects of security and pri-
and discuss human impacts, critical issues, transhumanism, and
vacy.
other possible world visions. We conclude this paper in section 6.
KEYWORDS
Neuralink; brain-machine interface; BMI; BCI; CBI; BBI; transhu- 2 OVERVIEW OF BRAIN-MACHINE
manism; ethical issues INTERFACES AND NEURALINK
In this section, brain-machines interfaces (BMIs) are presented
1 INTRODUCTION briefly. Although BMIs have been around for a long time, Musk’s
Since 2017, Elon Musk’s project Neuralink and brain-machine in- Neuralink project intends to bring BMIs to another level and narrow
terfaces have received a lot of attention [22]. Neuralink is a brain- the gap between man and machine, possibly dramatically.
machine interface (BMI) company that creates devices designed
to be implanted in human brains "to eventually improve memory 2.1 Brain-Machine Interfaces
and interface with computer systems." [22]. On August 28, 2020, bil-
Generally, a brain-machine interface is a link between a brain and
lionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk presented his pig Gertrude and
a machine. The first attempts to translate neuronal activity into
the chip implanted in the animal’s brain. The chip retransmits
commands to control external devices were made in monkeys in the
Gertrude’s neurological signals. From this information, a computer
1960s. [20]. In the 1970s, electroencephalography (EEG) was used
can predict at any time where each of Gertrude’s members is, giving
to link brain activity with computers directly [19]. The term "brain-
hope to restore mobility to paraplegic people. Elon Musk is brilliant
computer interface" appeared in the 1970s [20]. Brain-machine
at marketing his ideas on a large scale and creating enthusiasm
interface research and its applications are considered as the most
and fascination for his various projects. Never short of vivid im-
exciting interdisciplinary fields of science [20]. Similar to com-
ages, Elon Musk claimed that having the interface is comparable to
puters’ evolution, neural interfaces will become smaller and more
have a smartwatch in your brain. Science expands and brings new
powerful [23]. Today, BMIs allow controlling a cursor on a screen
technologies, which leads to benefits, but also threats, as society’s
[13]. BMIs are particularly promising for neurorehabilitation of
∗ Thiswork was done within the framework of the seminar 03805 A2020 Interdisci- sensory and motor disabilities, neurocommunication, and cognitive
plinary Issues in ICT, supervised by Dr. Michèle Courant of the University of Fribourg state evaluation [20]. Furthermore, better neuronal activity analy-
in Switzerland.
Reference Format: Dimitri Gurtner. 2021. Neuralink and Beyond: Challenges of Creat- ses hold out hope for the use of BMIs daily in the future [20]. BMIs
ing an Enhanced Human. 8 pages. can bring huge benefits to society, such as novel therapies, or social
and cognitive enhancement [23]. Many people already benefit from problems. Attempts of tDCS have suggested it helps the brain form
medical BMIs [23]. Generally, the main goal of BMIs is to repair connections, but no evidence yet exists [23].
and/or increase human performance [13].
One could consider that the gap between human and machine 2.2 Neuralink
needs to be reduced. Our brains are not prepared to deal with the The approach chosen by Neuralink is invasive and presents a few
considerable volume of information brought by pervasive technolo- innovations.
gies and the Internet of Things (IoT) [19]. In addition, the limits of
personal and professional life will be increasingly blurred. Niforatos 2.2.1 Ultra-fine Polymer Probes. The neural probes employ a va-
et al. affirm that "[...], our cognitive capacities cannot simply rely on riety of biocompatible thin film materials. A thin film array has
natural evolution to keep up with the immense advancements in the up to 96 threads, each containing 32 independent electrodes, for a
field of Ubiquitous technologies, which remain largely uninformed total of 3072 electrode contacts [17]. Thread thickness is nominally
about our cognitive states" [19]. Niforatos et al. have presented a 4-6 𝜇m, which includes insulation and conductor layers [17], while
software architecture for developing cognition-aware applications thread length is about 20 mm. Surface modifications are used "[...]
that adjust user presentation to user’s current cognitive state (see to lower the impedance for electrophysiology and increase the effective
figure 1) [19]. Generally, there is a will to increase human efficiency charge-carrying capacity of the interface" [17]. A novel alignment
by reducing the human-machine gap. and flip-chip bonding process allow to create a package of 23 × 18.5
mm2 [17].
2.2.2 Neurosurgical Robot. The low bending stiffness of electrode
probes complicates insertions [17]. Neuralink has developed a ro-
bot that allows inserting rapidly and reliably the flexible probes
to record scattered brain regions [17]. Custom software enables
planning of insertion paths to avoid vasculature [17]. The robot’s
insertion head holds a quick-swappable "needle-pincher" assembly
[17]. "The tip of the needle is designed both to hook onto insertion
loops—for transporting and inserting individual threads—and to pen-
etrate the meninges and brain tissue" [17]. The pincher acts as a
support for the probes during transport and as a guide to ensure
that the threads are inserted along the needle’s path [17]. The robot
can insert up to 192 electrodes per minute, which allows a quick op-
eration [17]. Robotic insertion is an efficient and scalable approach
[17].
Figure 1: Adaptive user interface [19]

2.1.1 Types of Neural Interfaces. There are two categories of BMIs.

Noninvasive approaches do not require opening the skull. The
average of millions of neurons can be recorded, but the signal is
distorted and nonspecific [17]. In invasive approaches, electrodes
are placed directly on the surface of the cortex. Useful signals can
be recorded, but they average the activity of thousands of neurons
only [17]. Neuralink uses an invasive approach that will be further
discussed in section 2.2. We also distinguish recording and stimu-
lating activities. Recording, also mentioned as brain-to-computer
interface (BCI), attempts to read brain signals and interpret them.
Stimulating, also mentioned as computer-to-brain interface (CBI),
goes in the opposite direction and tries to stimulate or control the
brain. There are various kinds of invasive/noninvasive and record-
ing/stimulating technologies. Noninvasive technologies are also
interesting. Among these, let us cite transcranial magnetic stimula- Figure 2: Needle penetrating tissue proxy [17]
tion (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). TMS
produces a changing magnetic field with a coil close to the scalp
[23]. It can activate or disrupt activity in the brain, which helps 2.2.3 Electronics. Recording from thousands of electrode sites
to understand the role of the various brain areas [23]. TMS is also presents challenges. "The density of recording channels necessitates
effective in treating drug-resistant depression [23]. As for tDCS, placing the signal amplification and digitization stack within the
it uses electrodes placed on the head and delivers constant and array assembly" [17]. "This recording stack must amplify small neu-
direct low current impulses [23]. tDCS is used to treat depression ral signals [...] while rejecting out-of-band noise, sample and digi-
and pain. Recently, there is renewed interest in using tDCS to im- tize the amplified signals, and stream out the results for real-time
prove cognitive processes and movement in people without health processing" [17]. Neuralink has built a custom application-specific
2
integrated circuit (ASIC), which consists of amplifiers, on-chip
analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and control circuitry for se-
rializing the digitized outputs [17]. An Ethernet-connected base
station converts the data streams, allowing to visualize the data in
real time [17].
2.2.4 Electrophysiology. Digitized signals are processed in real
time to identify action potentials (spikes). Neuralink uses custom
online spike-detection software. The spike detection parameters
have to maximize decoding efficacy [17].

Figure 4: The link [18] Figure 5: Neuralink app

their residual limb muscles. The bionic limb is then able to convert
them into hand movement.
However, BMIs can push this approach a step further and allow
to directly use "the brain to convey our intentions, rather than having
an extra, physical step translating those intentions to text, speech, or
gestures" [22]. The interactions can be made easier, faster, and more
natural [22].
Figure 3: Cortical surface with implanted threads [17]
3.2.2 Epilepsy. BCIs can be used to treat neurological disorders
and reveal about brain functions [9]. Karageorgos et al. have pre-
sented HALO (Hardware Architecture for LOw-power BCIs), an
3 THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS architecture for implantable BCIs, that allows the treatment of dis-
Medical applications are presented, along with a succinct and spe- orders, such as epilepsy [9]. HALO also records/processes data that
cific evaluation. We will devote a dedicated, more complete, and can be used for a better understanding of the brain [9]. Epilepsy
more global part to an evaluation in section 5. is characterized by epileptic seizures defined by uncontrolled and
excessive electrical activity of neurons [27]. Neuronal signals are
3.1 Spinal Cord Injuries processed to predict seizures. When an increase in brain excitation
Spinal cord injury is the showcase application of Neuralink. The occurs, "the brain needs inhibitory synapses to tone down and regu-
goal is to help people with spinal cord injury by allowing them late the activity of other cells" [27]. BCIs then electrically stimulate
to dexterously control a digital mouse and keyboard directly with neurons to mitigate the severity of the seizures [9]. However, the
their brains [17]. Combined with spinal stimulation techniques, it time between seizure onset and stimulation must be very short, i.e.,
is hoped that this approach could restore motor functions [17]. As tens of milliseconds [9]. Also, low-power hardware is needed for a
mentioned in section 2.1, using BMIs to control a device by thought safe and chronic implantation [9]. HALO is inspired by previous
has been studied since the 1960s [20]. However, Musk’s companies approaches but offers higher bandwidth brain communication in
benefit from significant fundraising and extensive media coverage. real time at low-power [9]. Noninvasive approaches can also be
On the website of Neuralink [18], the latest versions of the project considered, such as tDCS and TMS [27] (see section 2.1.1).
are presented. On figure 4, the link is a sealed and implanted de- 3.2.3 Parkinson. Parkinson, as well as epilepsy, can be treated
vice that processes, stimulates, and transmits neural signals [18]. by deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS belongs to invasive BMIs.
The Neuralink app (fig. 5) would allow controlling an iOS device, Surgery is required to implant a thin electrode wire in the part of the
keyboard, and mouse directly with brain activity, just by thinking brain responsible for abnormal movement [22]. A second surgical
about it [18]. intervention is then necessary to implant an impulse generator
battery (IPG) in the abdomen or under the collarbone. The IPG
3.2 Other Applications can then give electrical impulses to the brain to help control some
Generally, novel therapeutic possibilities are expected with BMIs. motor symptoms.
We will present some of them here.
3.2.4 Autism. In recent years, important funding has been allo-
3.2.1 Replacement of body parts. Bionic limbs are not new, and cated to the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neu-
the classical approach does not need BMIs. A bionic limb, e.g., an rotechnologies (BRAIN) to understand better the origins of cog-
arm, detects small naturally generated signals when the user flexes nition and other brain activities. It is hoped that more effective
3
treatments can be found for conditions like autism and mood disor- tools based on machine learning [25]. Furthermore, Taya et al. in-
ders [22]. With the TMS approach (see section 2.1.1), we were able troduced the functional connectome approach, which is based on
to show an improvement in social skills in people with autism [23]. the graph theory [25]. A connectome is a comprehensive map of
neural connections and can be seen as its wiring diagram. The
3.2.5 Depression. Depression is the most common mental health brain connectome approach can provide additional biomarkers for
condition. About one-third of cases of depression are treatment- facilitating the learning process. It can be used to understand mech-
resistant [23]. BMI therapies are regarded as hope for people that anisms underlying brain cognitive functions, but also to detect
drugs have failed to treat. While drugs could be ineffective because mental states [25].
they affect the whole body, BMIs can precisely target relevant
regions of the brain [23]. Mental health medications have side-
4.2 Alertness Control and Cognitive Load
effects, such as weight gain and decreased libido. BMIs can have
side-effects as well, but they might be less severe than drugs [23]. Sharing
Maksimenko et al. could classify the brain activity into two scenar-
3.2.6 Diagnosis of Brain Diseases. In addition, brain diseases that ios depending on the degree of attention of the observer, which in
promote dysfunction of the synaptic communication system may turn is affected by the motivation for a task and the task complex-
be better diagnosed with BMIs [27]. Generally, BMIs can be viewed ity [14]. The two scenarios described different neural oscillations
as alternatives or competing approaches to traditional medicine in composed of alpha and beta waves. Maksimenko et al. could build
specific areas. This trend is expected to intensify in the future. a noninvasive BMI to estimate and control the degree of alertness
in real time [14]. The device was based on an EEG recorder and a
4 SOCIAL AND COGNITIVE APPLICATIONS custom developed acquisition software. Controlling the degree of
In this section, we address social and cognitive applications. The attention was done by a feedback signal using external stimulation.
issues for these applications are more critical than for therapeutic When the subject lost concentration, a sound signal ringed for re-
applications. Thus, these issues will be presented in section 5. sharpening his attention [14]. Monitoring and controlling human
attention and alertness can find essential applications during tasks
4.1 Learning and Enhancement that require significant attention, such as air traffic control, piloting,
The brain is a dynamical system that generates spontaneous spa- and long-distance driving [14].
tiotemporal patterns even without inputs, movements, or cognitive Also, the cognitive load of a task can be shared among members
tasks [10]. For humans, these patterns are called resting state brain of a group [13]. In another article, Maksimenko et al. proposed
activities [10]. The resting state brain activity tells much informa- a brain-to-brain interface (BBI) which estimates brain states of
tion about age, mental disorder, and cognitive capability [10]. "By the participants and distributes optimally a cognitive load among
combining information decoding from brain activity and its neuro- group members working on a common task, increasing the over-
feedback in reinforcement learning paradigms, we can unconsciously all human performance [13]. The workload can be shared among
control brain activity patterns corresponding to specific information" participants depending on their current performance, which is esti-
mated from their electrical brain activity [13]. The BBI uses an EEG
[10]. This can lead to therapies for psychiatric disorders, but also to
recorder and is noninvasive. With human-to-human interaction, it
increased cognitive abilities [10]. It is expected that this technology
will soon be available in much cheaper and lighter devices such as was also found that the subject who initially showed higher degree
EEG and near infrared spectroscopy [10]. of alertness, exhibited increased alertness due to the assistance of
External interfaces are increasingly being used to attempt en- his/her partner [13]. The efficiency of a team can be increased by
hancements of memory and concentration [23]. Headsets using giving the most difficult workload on operators who exhibit the
tDCS (see section 2.1.1) could improve memory [23]. Working best performance [13].
memory has been improved in older people using a similar tech-
nique [23]. US military experiments have suggested that tDCS could 4.3 Reading Thoughts and Emotions
sharpen mental skills [23]. tDCS can also enhance physical, as well Mind reading has traditionally been linked to science fiction stories.
as mental performance [23]. For example, 20 minutes of exposure to However, the first steps of perceiving thoughts have been taken [11].
tDCS could improve the peak performance of cyclists [23]. However, Scientists already have the needed mathematical framework, and
other researchers have issued warnings about possible damages to the only limitations lie in the measurement of brain activity. A study
the brain [23]. showed that based only on volunteers’ brain activity, a computer
Studies have shown that brain cognitive functions could be im- model was able to produce images of the letters that the volunteers
proved through cognitive training interventions, in which learners were looking at [11]. Volunteers first looked at handwritten copies
perform cognitive tasks [25]. However, if the task that the learner of letters, while a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
is performing is too difficult, motivation and concentration can machine measured the responses of their brain [11]. Depending
decrease, resulting in a poor or a lack of improvement in cogni- on Bayes’ Law, patterns of brain activity, and machine learning,
tive functions [25]. Taya et al. propose to monitor learners’ mental the computer model can display an image showing the letter seen
states such as cognitive workload to facilitate and optimize the by the volunteer [11]. In another experiment, Akbari et al. could
learning progress [25]. The approach uses objective biomarkers reproduce the sounds of numbers listened to by participants, based
based on spectral properties of EEG signals [25]. To discriminate on their brain activity [1]. In the future, it might be possible to use
mental states, extracted features are subjected to mathematical this type of algorithm to decode thoughts.
4
 Carella et al. have shown that emotions can also be categorized the cannon. Although rudimentary, it provides evidence that infor-
from EEG recordings using the empirical mode decomposition mation can be transmitted from one human brain to another [21].
(EMD) method [6]. They observed that emotion detection is pos- This experiment is also a proof of concept to show that a human
sible with an accuracy of over 70%. Zander et al. proposed to fuse being can be controlled by another human being.
cognitive monitoring with BCI technology [30]. Cognitive moni-
toring uses real-time brain signal decoding for gaining information
on the cognitive user state. With the fusion of these technologies,
Zander et al. could provide information about the users’ intentions,
situational interpretations, and emotional states [30]. The study
focused on applications for healthy users [30], thus not limiting
itself to therapeutic applications.
Generally, the gap between human and machine is narrowing.
New systems allow gesture and voice input to create unique and in-
tuitive ways for users to interact with computers [22]. BMIs reduce
this gap even further and allow for a glimpse of human-human
interaction. Potentially, we could use BMIs to better understand
and communicate with each other by clarifying our thoughts and
feelings [22].

4.4 Brain Links and Behavior’s Control

B. Min explained the approach of using BCIs and low-intensity
focused-ultrasound (LIFU) sonication to obtain a brain-to-brain
interface (BBI) [16]. The goal is to obtain an interface in which
two individual brains communicate by sending signals through Figure 6: Direct brain-to-brain interface [21]
computers. A wide range of mental communication can be expected
[16]. As explained, mind-to-mind communication remains fictitious
Yoo et al. could establish functional links between a human’s for now, but the building blocks have been demonstrated in the
brain and a rat’s brain [29]. Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) laboratory [23].
can modulate the neural activity of specific brain regions, playing
the role of a stimulating noninvasive CBI. Also, the use of noninva- 4.5 Military
sive BCI techniques, such as EEG acquisition and signal processing,
With EEG headsets, we can already pilot drones using brain signals
allows to record brain activity and translates it to generate com-
only [23]. The Next-Generation Nonsurgical Neurotechnology (N3)
puter commands. A link could be created between two brains by
program of the US’s DARPA aims to develop high-performance and
joining these technologies, thus creating a brain-to-brain interface
bi-directional BMIs. The main applications are controlling aerial
[29]. The implementation could be used to translate the human
vehicles, cyber defense, or teaming with computers during military
volunteer’s intention to stimulate a rat’s brain motor region re-
missions [23]. Furthermore, as mentioned in section 4.1, noninva-
sponsible for tail movement [29]. Thanks to the BBI, the human
sive BMIs such as tDCS could improve mental skills. Military and
volunteer was then able to move the rat’s tail only by thought. The
security applications raise the most significant worries. Enhancing
interface could achieve about 94% accuracy [29].
humans mentally and physically could provide some protection
Rao et al. have presented a direct brain-to-brain interface (BBI)
but could also be used to organize hostile operations remotely [23].
in humans [21]. It was illustrated in a computer game where two
The following section will explore future possibilities and concerns
humans must cooperate through direct BBI communication. A
of BMIs.
schematic diagram of the setup can be seen in fig. 6. The goal
of the game is to defend a city from enemy rockets by firing a can-
5 EVALUATIONS
non. A friendly airplane also flies across the sky, and should not be
shot at. The first user (the sender) sees the game but cannot control So far, we have seen state-of-the-art BMI applications, which will
the cannon. The second user (the receiver) is located in another allow us to discuss future possibilities. Then, human impacts and
building. He does not see the game, but he has a touchpad to fire the ethical issues will be evaluated, as well as transhumanism and its
cannon. The BBI communication used noninvasive EEG to record consequences.
the sender’s brain signal, and noninvasive TMS for stimulating the
receiver’s brain. During trials, the sender conveyed the intent to fire 5.1 Future Possibilities
the cannon by engaging in right-hand motor imagery [21]. When BMIs could offer benefits such as better health, better memory, bet-
the receiver’s computer received a fire command, a TMS pulse was ter concentration, and healthier aging. However, they also involve
delivered to the receiver’s brain, which caused a movement of the new risks such as thoughts or moods being accessed [23], with a
receiver’s right hand, and thus operated the touchpad which fired possible drift towards controlling people.
5
5.1.1 Access to the Brain and Being Controlled. People could be- Hence, several technology experts believe that beneficial impacts
come telepathic and be able to communicate without words by could arise from linking human and artificial intelligence via BMIs
accessing thoughts [23]. Beyond thoughts, sensory experiences [23]. In general, companies like Neuralink also pursue the goal
could be communicated from humans to humans, such as neural of linking human brains and AI [23]. Niforatos et al. argue that
postcards, where hearing, seeing, and tasting could be possible. while sounding like a science fiction scenario, the notion of humans
Alternatively, life experiences such as enjoying a meal or taking a converging with machines not only could be soon a reality, but
parachute jump could be lived virtually and offer sensations as if also a necessity [19]. Niforatos et al. believe "that the human brain
they were real [23]. More reasonably, it seems possible that we will and technology can and should be able to work more closely in tan-
be able to create pictures of what people are thinking about within dem for amplifying our cognitive capacities in the era of distractions
the next 20 years [11]. and information overload" [19]. Elon Musk said that Neuralink’s
If thoughts could be accessed, companies could use this approach long-term goal is to achieve "symbiosis with artificial intelligence",
for marketing purposes, and put pop-ups in our heads [23]. Fur- which is required to compete with an ever more powerful AI, and
thermore, George Orwell’s thoughtcrime of his dystopian novel on which the survival of humanity will depend. Such a form of
"Nineteen Eighty-Four" could become a reality, and people could collaborative intelligence could emerge and bring revolutionary
simply be arrested for divergent thinking. Privacy concerns need applications, but also raise significant ethical issues [23].
definitively to be addressed. By accessing thoughts, politicians could
recruit people to their causes [23]. In the future, it could be possible 5.2 Human Impacts and Ethical Issues
that governments will control and manipulate people’s behavior not
Talking about the impacts of technology, Paul Virilio said, “When
only through mass media but also by directly sending commands
you invent the ship, you also invent the shipwreck; when you invent the
or putting ideologies into their brains [20]. Generally, if the human
plane you also invent the plane crash; and when you invent electricity,
brain can be controlled, it will imply a plethora of consequences.
you invent electrocution... Every technology carries its own negativity,
We could imagine that parts of our brain could be deactivated if we
which is invented at the same time as technical progress.” Buruk et al.
have not paid our invoices. We could imagine ransomware applied
wrote fictional abstracts about designing children’s technologies
on a brain, with hackers encrypting the brain and asking for a
in the age of transhumanism in 2077 [4]. One of these fictions nar-
ransom to decrypt it.
rates that, in the year 2065, the Dutch government declared that all
5.1.2 Digital Memory. BMIs will perhaps also offer exciting op- new-borns in the Netherlands should undergo a procedure to be
portunities to enhance the brain itself. Invasive or noninvasive equipped with water-breathing implants, due to the impossibility
BMIs could help us remember more and better, learn faster, make of installing these implants in adults. The fictional paper explores
better decisions, and solve problems without biases [23]. Instead the impacts of this legislation, notably the creation of a new gener-
of hard training, we could simply download a new skill as Neo ation of children using the canals of Amsterdam as unsupervised
does in the science fiction movie Matrix. Neural interfaces could playgrounds [4]. This example shows us that technology always
raise educational achievement levels by helping students to learn, impacts human beings, which seems to be especially true for BMIs,
remember, and concentrate better [23]. Invasive BMIs could be- reinforcing the need to consider these issues proactively.
come body parts, as peacemakers are today. Our memory and all
its associated knowledge could be securely backed up on digital 5.2.1 Alter or Loss of Sense of Self. A possible impact of BMIs is
devices or uploaded to the cloud [23]. the loss of sense of self [24]. For some deaf people, implants can
make a vital difference. However, some other people entirely reject
5.1.3 Merge our intelligence with AI. Our brain is composed of the implants, considering deafness to be an identity rather than
around 86 billion neurons, and each neuron can make connections a disability. They are used to their condition, and sign language
without thousands of other neurons via links called synapses [23]. provides them with a full and natural communication means [23].
While computers can perform billions of operations per second By being augmented, they no longer find themselves [7]. Anita
but are connected to a few neighbors only, the brain’s neurons can Silvers has considered cochlear implants for deafness as a "tyranny
perform only around 1,000 operations per second, but can commu- of the normal", designed to adjust deaf people to a world designed by
nicate with thousands of neighbors [23]. Hence, the comparison the hearing, assuming the inferiority of deafness [28]. The concept
between brain and computer is complicated. Additionally, much of self is challenged: is it us as humans? Or is it the technology [23]?
about the human brain remains unknown, such as the language In the end, each human experience is different and has a meaningful
with which neurons communicate or the brain’s propensity to form value.
connections [23].
Today, artificial intelligence (AI) "is an important technological 5.2.2 Erosion of Skills and Autonomy. If invasive BMIs are making
tool that allows many neural interfaces to function" [23]. BMIs use AI decisions within our bodies, are we still autonomous [23]? By en-
to convert neural signals into digital data, for example, to interpret hancing our bodily functions, we would be replacing them in a way.
instructions from the brain to move a prosthetic arm [23]. In the As our natural bodily functions would no longer be used, we would
future, however, a more intricate relationship between BMIs and likely lose our abilities. This would lead to an intimate, dangerous,
AI could emerge. As mentioned above, computers and brains are and significantly increased dependence on technology, reaching
different but can be perceived as complementary. Humans have the point of no return. We definitively have to ask ourselves if we
decision-making capacity and emotional intelligence, while com- should be using BMIs to improve the abilities of healthy people
puters are good at processing a considerable number of data quickly. [28].
6
5.2.3 Privacy Issues. BMIs can collect large amounts of physical Transhumanism could show a productivist view of the human
and neural biodata. In this context, it will be challenging to preserve being, instead of a qualitative view of life’s experience on earth.
privacy and control the use of personal data [23]. A portable mind- However, the debate may not be so trivial when we consider the
reading device may not be completely out of reach in the future, and possibility that the singularity could become a reality. The singu-
there is a need to establish privacy guidelines now [11]. Generally, larity, also known as artificial general intelligence (AGI), can be
people are reluctant to allow systems to understand their intentions, defined as the point where AI can improve itself faster than humans
and they do not want their inner thoughts to be read, and revealed can. Some argue that AGI will not be realized [8], while AI experts
[22]. It is also unclear what people believe sensors can reveal, and estimate that there is around 50% chance that AGI will occur until
people rely on existing beliefs about the body to explain what they 2060 [26]. Personalities such as Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk
might disclose [15]. Transparent access to thoughts could modify are also warning about AI. As we have seen in section 5.1.3, Elon
people’s behavior and affect their well-being [23]. Big Brother’s style Musk and Neuralink advocate BMIs and fusion with AI for the sur-
of mental surveillance would undoubtedly create psychological vival of humanity. In its essence, it can be linked to a philosophical
harm [23]. Without going so far as to mind-reading, cognitive load’s question: does consciousness emerge, or is it transcendental?
privacy is already an issue. Not only are people unwilling to disclose However, what will the world be like if the AI threat is real, and
their cognitive load, but it could also generate significant stress, for fusion with the machine becomes a reality? For example, if kids can
example, if their boss knew exactly their current cognitive load for download school subjects in seconds, instead of slowly learning
a specific task. Now, as we have seen in section 4.2, cognitive load them over the years, what will childhood be like? Will the time
monitoring and cognitive load sharing between team members is saved be used to enjoy life or to acquire more and more skills? How
already a reality, strengthening the need for rules now. about social relationships and early friendships built at school?
The potential change is so massive that no one can predict with
5.2.4 Legal Issues. If neural interfaces can intentionally influence certainty what the outcome would be.
individuals’ behavior, should they be prescribed by states? [23].
For example, we could imagine that governments would use these
technologies to reduce their public health bill by directly influencing 5.3.1 Transhumanism through Spiral Dynamics. Here, we will present
people to eat healthier. That power could then be extended in transhumanism through the various levels of the model Spiral Dy-
broader contexts, such as sanctions in criminal justice. Conversely, namics [3]. At each level, symbolized by a color, we will show how
instead of prescribing, some interfaces could be proscribed [23]. We transhumanism could be used by the system and how it could help
imperatively need to define who should control access to BMIs, for foster the characteristics of a level. At Beige, transhumanism could
safety reasons. As for privacy issues, regulation and laws will be be seen as an individual survival tool, against other organisms or
needed. against technology itself. At Purple, transhumanism could enable
a better connection between people through brain-to-brain inter-
5.2.5 Social Issues. The ethical dimensions of the use of BMIs go
faces, and a better harmony with nature. At Red, transhumanism
beyond the contexts of clinical research and patient care, such as
could be used as a domination tool, where people would try to get
economic pressures and regulatory controls associated with com-
the best BMIs to dominate others. At Blue, transhumanism would
mercial availability of BMIs [2]. By having BMIs, more interactions
be used to reduce people to specific tasks and strengthen the hier-
with machines are expected, diminishing social interactions. BMIs
archical structure. At Orange, BMIs would be used to reach the top
will also contribute to widening inequalities, as technology always
of the hierarchy, thus increasing competition between individuals.
does, by offering advantages to users who can afford it [23].
At the bottom of the hierarchy, we would equip people with BMIs
to increase their productivity. At Green, BBIs would allow to under-
5.3 Transhumanism and Philosophical Issues stand all languages and cultures, and experiment with full empathy
BMIs challenge the very essence of what it means to be human [12]. by feeling what others are feeling. With transhumanism, humans
As we have seen in section 5.2.1, implants can alter the sense of would be connected, which would allow for global consciousness
self. The difference between enhancement and treatment is thin and unity. At Yellow, transhumanism would make it possible to
and depends on defining normality and disease [28]. Christopher understand the differences between individuals and integrate all
Boorse "defines disease as a statistical deviation from species-typical potentials and skills. At Turquoise, transhumanism would be used
functioning" [28]. It is questionable whether "enhancement" is an in- to make people equal both physically and cognitively. At Coral,
crease or a reduction, or if enhancement is necessary at all. Choices with increased awareness, acceptance, and freedom, would we even
must be made. Another interesting question is whether enhance- need transhumanism? Or would we simply prefer to live without
ment can be achieved differently, i.e., without invasive BMIs. For it?
example, we have seen in section 4.1 that cognitive training can Now suppose that our society currently lies at Orange, where the
improve brain cognitive functions. quality of life is not a priority, and efficiency rules the world. This
Transhumanism is a vision of the world. It sees enhancement desire for efficiency could fully justify the race for transhumanism.
as interventions that promote bodily and cognitive characteristics Since transhumanism is irreversible, we would seal the world at
to reach a post-human stage [5], where the human condition itself Orange and stop the evolution of humanity, limiting it to efficiency
is transformed. It raises many ethical and philosophical questions, and competition.
such as the following: How do we want to live as humans? Is such This model is interesting to show that the reasons and uses of
a profound transformation still being human? transhumanism can be radically different, depending on society’s
7
core values. Thus, there is an urgent need to consider the issues of [9] Ioannis Karageorgos, Karthik Sriram, Jan Vesely, Michael Wu, Marc Powell,
transhumanism globally. David Borton, Rajit Manohar, and Abhishek Bhattacharjee. 2020. Hardware-
Software Co-Design for Brain-Computer Interfaces. 2020 ACM/IEEE 47th Annual
International Symposium on Computer Architecture (ISCA) (2020). https://doi.org/
6 CONCLUSION 10.1109/isca45697.2020.00041
[10] Mitsuo Kawato. 2015. Visualizing and Manipulating Brain Dynamics. In Proceed-
In summary, this paper first introduced brain-machine interfaces ings of the 2015 ACM International Joint Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous
(BMIs), Neuralink, and its technology to produce invasive BMIs. Computing (Osaka, Japan) (UbiComp ’15). Association for Computing Machinery,
New York, NY, USA, 1. https://doi.org/10.1145/2750858.2815826
Currently, BMIs mainly have therapeutic applications, such as help- [11] Erica Klarreich. 2014. Reading brains. Commun. ACM 57, 3 (2014), 12–14. https:
ing people with spinal cord injury by allowing them to control a //doi.org/10.1145/2567649
computer directly with their brain. Other therapeutic applications [12] The Lancet. 2019. iHuman: a futuristic vision for the human experience. The
Lancet 394, 10203 (2019), 979. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(19)32141-5
include epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and autism. BMIs also have [13] Vladimir A. Maksimenko, Alexander E. Hramov, Nikita S. Frolov, Annika Lüt-
social and cognitive applications, such as learning, enhancement, tjohann, Vladimir O. Nedaivozov, Vadim V. Grubov, Anastasia E. Runnova,
Vladimir V. Makarov, Jürgen Kurths, Alexander N. Pisarchik, and et al. 2018.
behavior control, and reading thoughts. Another objective of this Increasing Human Performance by Sharing Cognitive Load Using Brain-to-Brain
work was to present an evaluation, showing the future possibilities Interface. Frontiers in Neuroscience 12 (2018). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.
of BMIs, such as brain control, and the fusion of our intelligence 00949
[14] Vladimir A. Maksimenko, Anastasia E. Runnova, Maksim O. Zhuravlev,
with AI. The resulting human impacts and ethical issues were pre- Vladimir V. Makarov, Vladimir Nedayvozov, Vadim V. Grubov, Svetlana V. Pche-
sented, such as loss of sense of self, erosion of skills, and other lintceva, Alexander E. Hramov, and Alexander N. Pisarchik. 2017. Visual per-
issues. Finally, this paper explored transhumanism, its potential ception affected by motivation and alertness controlled by a noninvasive brain-
computer interface. Plos One 12, 12 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.
necessity with the advent of artificial general intelligence, as well 0188700
as its different reasons for being. [15] Nick Merrill, John Chuang, and Coye Cheshire. 2019. Sensing is Believing.
Proceedings of the 2019 on Designing Interactive Systems Conference (2019). https:
Concerning open issues, BMIs are still in their infancy stage of //doi.org/10.1145/3322276.3322286
development, and, therefore, it is still difficult to predict exactly [16] Byoung-Kyong Min. 2013. Eeg/sonication-based brain-brain interfacing. 2013
where they are going. Future research should consider more care- International Winter Workshop on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) (2013). https:
//doi.org/10.1109/iww-bci.2013.6506614
fully the potential effects of BMIs, particularly the human impacts [17] Elon Musk. 2019. An Integrated Brain-Machine Interface Platform With Thou-
of current and future BMIs. We have shown that BMI research could sands of Channels. Journal of Medical Internet Research 21, 10 (2019). https:
generate drastic changes with no possible return, thus reinforcing //doi.org/10.2196/16194
[18] Neuralink. 2020. https://neuralink.com/approach/
the need to urgently address these critical issues. [19] Evangelos Niforatos, Athanasios Vourvopoulos, and Marc Langheinrich. 2017.
Amplifying human cognition. Proceedings of the 2017 ACM International Joint
Conference on Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing and Proceedings of the 2017
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ACM International Symposium on Wearable Computers (2017). https://doi.org/10.
To Dr. Michèle Courant of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, 1145/3123024.3129266
[20] Alexander N Pisarchik, Vladimir A Maksimenko, and Alexander E Hramov. 2019.
for her mentoring during the whole seminar, her precious advice, From Novel Technology to Novel Applications: Comment on “An Integrated
and her support to write the current paper. Brain-Machine Interface Platform With Thousands of Channels” by Elon Musk
and Neuralink (Preprint). (2019). https://doi.org/10.2196/preprints.16356
[21] Rajesh P. N. Rao, Andrea Stocco, Matthew Bryan, Devapratim Sarma, Tiffany M.
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