Decoding Brain Data (the possibilities and pitfalls of neurotech with Jared Genser)

Neurotechnology is a dual-use technology transforming lives — from implantable devices that use deep brain stimulation to ease tremors from Parkinson’s disease to commercial wearables that promise more effective meditation. But without the necessary legal, ethical, and regulatory safeguards, the misuse and abuse of neurotechnology and the data it collects becomes inevitable.

In this episode, hosts Vass Bednar and Paul Samson speak with Jared Genser about neurotechnology, its implications for humanity, and the emerging dilemmas around neuro-rights, freedom of thought, and mental privacy. Jared is an international human rights lawyer and managing director of the law firm Perseus Strategies. He is a co-founder and general counsel to the Neuro Rights Foundation, and a special adviser on the Responsibility to Protect to the Organization of American States.

Mentioned:

• Neuralink: neuralink.com/
• Chile: Pioneering the protection of neurorights: courier.unesco.org/en/articles/chile-pioneering-protection-neurorights
• Brain-computer interface: cumming.ucalgary.ca/research/pediatric-bci/bci-program/what-bci
• Brain implant and AI gives a woman with paralysis her voice back (research led by Dr. Edward Chang): youtu.be/iTZ2N-HJbwA?si=u6d05795MdJ_3uO2
• EMOTIV and Rodrigo Hubner Mendes drive an F1 car using electroencephalography (EEG): youtu.be/NhmXaeaHkDc?si=GX5hrjnyCfS2yR3h
• Robotic exoskeleton helps paralyzed person kick first ball of 2014 World Cup: youtu.be/ClRqZbRxcNI?si=7Gdqjq6MRpJiM3Pi
• President Obama’s Brain Initiative: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/node/300741
• Meta acquires CTRL-labs for wristband technology that allows people to control devices using their brains: cnbc.com/2019/09/23/facebook-announces-acquisition-of-brain-computing-start-up-ctrl-labs.html
• EEG scanners in Apple AirPods: https://tinyurl.com/ypk72f8h
• Australian device decodes thought-to-text with 40% accuracy: uts.edu.au/news/2023/12/portable-non-invasive-mind-reading-ai-turns-thoughts-text?
• DreamConnect guides dreams with AI (decoding dreams into images): eurekalert.org/news-releases/1096544
• Boston University brain scientist shows that electrostimulation can restore a 70-year-old’s working memory to that of a 20-year-old: bu.edu/articles/2019/electrostimulation-can-improve-working-memory/
• Kernel, a wearable device that delivers information on brain function: kernel.com/
• Werner Herzog’s documentary Theater of Thought: neurorightsfoundation.org/media/herzog-film
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: pascalhealthinstitute.com/why-crps-is-called-the-suicide-disease/

Further Reading:

• Jared Genser’s bio: perseus-strategies.com/team/jared-genser-english/
• Neurorights Foundation: neurorightsfoundation.org/
• Freedom of Thought: Reviving and Protecting a Forgotten Human Right, special report by Susie Alegre and Aaron Shull cigionline.org/publications/freedom-of-thought-reviving-and-protecting-a-forgotten-human-right/

Credits:

Policy Prompt is produced by Vass Bednar and Paul Samson. Our supervising producer is Tim Lewis, with technical production by Henry Daemen and Luke McKee. Show notes are prepared by Lynn Schellenberg, social media engagement by Isabel Neufeld, brand design and episode artwork by Abhilasha Dewan and Sami Chouhdary, with creative direction from Som Tsoi. 

Original music by Joshua Snethlage. 

Sound mix and mastering by François Goudreault. 

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Our guest’s opinions and facts are their own. Enjoy the chat!