The Briefing: Brain data with special guest Dr Cody Rall #14
Apr 12, 2023
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Neurotech expert Dr Cody Rall discusses Grimes getting a Neurosity Crown, integrating neurotech into daily routines, personalized brain data technology, privacy in the metaverse, brain data as a future biometric, and the launch of FedNow.
Neurotech devices like the crown headset by Neurosity have gained attention after prominent figures, such as Grimes, publicly shared their use, sparking increased interest in EEG-based brain data measurement.
The use of motion data in virtual reality experiences can pose privacy risks, as researchers have found that even simple motion data can uniquely identify users, raising concerns about compromised anonymity and the need for addressing privacy challenges in VR environments.
Deep dives
1. Neurotech and AI Integration
Neurotech devices like the crown headset by New Rosity, which uses EEG to measure brain activity, have gained attention after prominent figures such as Grimes tweeted about using them. YouTubers like Jeff Delaney have showcased their experiments with neurotech on platforms like Fireship, which resulted in increased interest in the crown headset. The crown, priced at $1,000, is a compact EEG device with tiny electrodes that measure brain waves. It connects to a mobile app and streams brain data. The device also offers features like training algorithms to recognize custom thought patterns.
2. Privacy Concerns in the Metaverse
Researchers have found that even simple motion data from virtual reality (VR) experiences can uniquely identify users within seconds of monitoring. As VR technology monitors facial features, vocal qualities, eye motions, and environmental information, privacy concerns arise regarding identifying individuals through motion data. These 'motion prints' can leave trails of digital fingerprints and compromise anonymity, leading to potential privacy issues in the metaverse. Further investigations are needed to address these challenges and find ways to mitigate privacy risks in VR environments.
3. Social Media Age Verification and Privacy
Efforts to implement social media age verification systems have sparked debates over privacy implications. Utah recently signed social media regulations, requiring users under 18 to obtain parental consent before opening accounts. Age verification methods often involve collecting personal data and biometric information, raising concerns that users' privacy may be compromised. Companies like Yoti use age estimation technology that analyzes facial features without identifying individuals, but concerns persist regarding data collection and potential threats to anonymity online. The discussions around age verification systems highlight the need for finding a balance between privacy and safety in online environments.
In this episode of The Future of You: The Briefing I’m joined by neurotech expert Dr Cody Rall to talk about Grimes getting a Neurosity Crown for her birthday. I also cover the latest news around motion prints, age verification, and speak with author of The Currency Cold War Dave Birch about the launch of Fed Now; the new instant payment system being introduced in the US.