The first person to receive Elon Musk’s groundbreaking Neuralink brain-computer interface has raised concerns about potential hacking and misuse of the system.
Noland Arbaugh, 29, who was paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident in 2016, underwent the experimental procedure involving electrodes implanted directly into his brain tissue by a computer-controlled “sewing machine.” Despite the operation only requiring local anesthesia and no overnight hospital stay, Noland expressed some reservations about the security of the interface.
In an interview with Joe Rogan, Noland mentioned that while hacking the Neuralink interface might allow control of his cursor or access to brain signals, he wasn’t overly worried about it. He also highlighted the speed and efficiency of the system in translating his thoughts into actions onscreen.
Noland and the Neuralink programmers collaborated to teach the system how to interpret his thoughts, enabling him to move a cursor onscreen just by thinking about moving his hand. He described the process as almost preemptive, with signals being sent before physical movements occur.
While Noland acknowledged the possibility of misuse as the technology becomes more widespread, he expressed optimism that regulatory measures would be put in place. He also mentioned the need for improved after-sales service, as a significant portion of the electrodes in his brain had detached, affecting the system’s functionality.
Looking ahead, Noland hoped for an upgraded interface and potentially participating in studies to test the safety of replacing Neuralink devices. Despite the challenges, he remained positive about the future of Elon Musk’s cyborg system and its potential impact on human-machine interaction.