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. 2024 Jul 16;30(4):28.
doi: 10.1007/s11948-024-00492-2.

Decentralising the Self - Ethical Considerations in Utilizing Decentralised Web Technology for Direct Brain Interfaces

David M Lyreskog  1   2 , Hazem Zohny  3   4 , Sebastian Porsdam Mann  5 , Ilina Singh  3   6 , Julian Savulescu  6   4   7   8   9
Affiliations

Decentralising the Self - Ethical Considerations in Utilizing Decentralised Web Technology for Direct Brain Interfaces

David M Lyreskog et al. Sci Eng Ethics. .

Abstract

The rapidly advancing field of brain-computer (BCI) and brain-to-brain interfaces (BBI) is stimulating interest across various sectors including medicine, entertainment, research, and military. The developers of large-scale brain-computer networks, sometimes dubbed 'Mindplexes' or 'Cloudminds', aim to enhance cognitive functions by distributing them across expansive networks. A key technical challenge is the efficient transmission and storage of information. One proposed solution is employing blockchain technology over Web 3.0 to create decentralised cognitive entities. This paper explores the potential of a decentralised web for coordinating large brain-computer constellations, and its associated benefits, focusing in particular on the conceptual and ethical challenges this innovation may pose pertaining to (1) Identity, (2) Sovereignty (encompassing Autonomy, Authenticity, and Ownership), (3) Responsibility and Accountability, and (4) Privacy, Safety, and Security. We suggest that while a decentralised web can address some concerns and mitigate certain risks, underlying ethical issues persist. Fundamental questions about entity definition within these networks, the distinctions between individuals and collectives, and responsibility distribution within and between networks, demand further exploration.

Keywords: Blockchain; Brain-Brain interfaces; Brain-Computer interfaces; Hybrid intelligence; Web3.

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Conflict of interest statement

JS is a Partner Investigator on an Australian Research Council grant [LP190100841] which involves industry partnership from Illumina. He does not personally receive any funds from Illumina. Julian Savulescu is a Bioethics Committee consultant for Bayer and an Advisory Panel member for the Hevolution Foundation (2022-).

References

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    1. Fares, H., Ronchini, M., Zamani, M., Farkhani, H., & Moradi, F. (2022). In the realm of hybrid brain: Human brain and AI. arXiv preprint arXiv:2210.01461.

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