The Emergence of Brain-Computer Interfaces

In the article “AI’s Next Frontier“, author Bernard Marr discusses the future of Brain-Computer Interfaces. Over the years, surgical methods have evolved to the point where people can now experiment with implanting sensors into the human brain and collect data.

Marr writes “Today, one of the best-known pioneers is Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk…It aims to enable people suffering from paralysis to use machines and prosthetic limbs to recover their mobility…[Another company, named NextMind] has developed a device that translates signals from the visual cortex into digital commands. As well as creating tools that allow computers to be controlled with brain signals.”

These devices are quickly evolving. So, what is next?

Marr predicts that in the near future, we can expect methods for capturing brain activity to improve. It is likely that these methods will evolve past requiring an implant sensor internally into the human brain. When this happens, Marr predicts that these technologies will become more widely available.

We can also expect to see the emergence of interfaces that link brains together, allowing us to send and receive messages telepathically. An example would be a device that decodes messages from one person’s EEG activity and transmit them directly to another person.

How does the affect the development of the law?

It is my prediction that the emergence of brain-computer interfaces will likely create new methods for compiling evidence in court cases, new issues for admissibility of evidence in court hearings (including surreptitiously obtained recordings), issues for regulating privacy of individuals, and perhaps issues over copyright for works created with brain-computer interfaces.