Syllabus: GS-III
Subject: Science & Technology
Topic: Bio-Technology
Issue: Brain computer interface
Context: Embedment of computer chip in the human brain.
- Neuralink, co-founded by Elon Musk, is working on linking the nervous system to computers.
- The brain computer interface is about the size of a large coin and is designed to be implanted in the skull, with ultra-thin wires going directly into the brain.
- The product is called “Telepathy” — which will enable users to control their phones or computers “just by thinking.”
| Potential Benefits | Potential Concerns |
| Treating neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, epilepsy etc. | Inherent risks of infection, tissue damage, and unintended consequences of manipulating neural activity |
| Restoring lost function for individuals with paralysis or limb loss | Data privacy and security |
| Potentially augment memory and learning by facilitating information access and processing. | Profound ethical questions about free will and the potential for discrimination. |