Brain-Computer Interfaces and the Dangers of Neurocapitalism
This work addresses ethical and societal challenges posed by emerging BCI technology for humanity, highlighting risks of data exploitation and loss of autonomy, but it is incremental as it builds on existing trends without introducing new technical solutions.
The paper examines the potential societal impacts of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), focusing on the risks of neurocapitalism—the commercialization of neural data—and how it could alter human interaction, autonomy, and identity, urging proactive measures to mitigate abuses before widespread adoption.
We review how existing trends are relevant to the discussion of brain-computer interfaces and the data they would generate. Then, we posit how the commerce of neural data, dubbed Neurocapitalism, could be impacted by the maturation of brain-computer interface technology. We explore how this could pose fundamental changes to our way of interacting, as well as our sense of autonomy and identity. Because of the power inherent in the technology, and its potentially ruinous abuses, action must be taken before the appearance of the technology, and not come as a reaction to it. The widespread adoption of brain-computer interface technology will certainly change our way of life. Whether it is changed for the better or worse, depends on how well we prepare for its arrival.