Sign in

Neuralink’s first human patient Noland Arbaugh says his brain chip can be hacked: ‘It is what it is’

Hacking my brain implant wouldn't do much, Noland Arbaugh asserted, adding, "You might be able to see like some of the brain signals.

Published on: Jun 24, 2024, 12:26:29 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Neuralink's first recipient Noland Arbaugh has seen promising results since he received the brain chip by Elon Musk's company in January. But can the chip be hacked? Noland Arbaugh said yes as he was questioned about the possibility of humans being hijacked and becoming cyborgs.

In January, Neuralink implanted its device in the brain of Noland Arbaugh, its first patient. (Neuralink)
In January, Neuralink implanted its device in the brain of Noland Arbaugh, its first patient. (Neuralink)

Hacking my brain implant wouldn't do much, he asserted, adding, "You might be able to see like some of the brain signals. You might be able to see some of the data that Neuralink's collecting."

Read more: Neuralink’s first human patient Noland Arbaugh told parents he could become handicapped: ‘Didn’t want them to…'

Norland Arbaugh did not specify the data that is being collected by Neuralink chip which is almost the size of a coin and contains thousands of electrodes that monitor and stimulate brain activity, as per the company. This information is digitally transmitted to researchers.

Read more: Elon Musk believes in universal basic income (UBI) once AI takes over: His top 8 quotes

Norland Arbaugh said that if he was connected to his computer at the time of the hacking, someone could control his mouse cursor and access his messages and emails by getting into his computer.

“It is what it is. I think if it happens, it happens,” he said.

Read more: Elon Musk reminds everyone he named OpenAI ‘with a lot of good intentions’

The 29-year-old quadriplegic earlier said that the brain chip gave him more independence and helped him reconnect socially. He said, “I've been using it to message people on X, use Instagram, reply to emails, play fantasy sports, read comics online, and access a site I use to learn Japanese. I also used it to book a hotel for when I visited Neuralink's headquarters.”

This comes as Neuralink founder Elon Musk predicted that the chip will one day be able to "solve" mental conditions like autism and schizophrenia and would become so mainstream that it would be like a "Fitbit in your skull."

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More