Artificial intelligence driven neural technology needs to strengthen global regulation, not only in healthcare but also in the consumer sector

Tech 2023-07-14 09:29:33 Source: Network

The development of neural technology driven by artificial intelligence is so rapid that the United Nations organization is also contemplating global regulation of it.On the 13th, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held an international conference to explore the enormous potential of neural technology in solving refractory neurological and mental disorders, and will begin developing a "universal ethical framework" for neural technology

The development of neural technology driven by artificial intelligence is so rapid that the United Nations organization is also contemplating global regulation of it.

On the 13th, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held an international conference to explore the enormous potential of neural technology in solving refractory neurological and mental disorders, and will begin developing a "universal ethical framework" for neural technology.

When you add AI, you inject steroids into neural technology, "said Mariagrazia Squicciarini, the main author responsible for writing UNESCO's" Report on Ethical Issues in Neurotechnology

Neurotechnology, including implants for diagnosing and treating brain related diseases, is beginning to improve the lives of people with disabilities, but investment in artificial intelligence (AI) based programs that can read people's thoughts and store neural data has increased, raising concerns about their use.

Laying the foundation for a global ethical framework

Neurotechnology can help humans solve many health problems, but it may also touch and manipulate brain structures to generate information related to our identity and emotions. The United Nations believes that there is an urgent need to establish a common ethical framework for the neural technology industry at the global level, as UNESCO has already completed this task in the field of artificial intelligence.

It is reported that at the UNESCO International Conference held on the 13th, all parties will explore the enormous potential and threat of neural technology in solving refractory neurological and mental disorders.

The ultimate goal of this conference is to promote a better understanding of ethical issues related to neural technology governance and prepare for the development of an ethical framework. The framework will be reviewed and voted on by UNESCO member states. Relevant procedures will follow a similar approach to UNESCO in establishing a global ethical framework for Human genome (1997), human gene data (2003) and AI (2021).

UNESCO believes that the latest developments in generative AI, as well as the widespread use of AI technology and the risks it poses to humanity, democracy, and employment, confirm the effectiveness and timeliness of its global standards for AI ethics. The fusion of neural data and AI will bring even more severe challenges.

Theos Evgeniou, a professor of decision-making science and technology management at the INSEAD, explained to CBI that generative AI involves human language and human identity. And human language is an important part of helping us define 'who we are' and 'what we do'. Therefore, if technology can mimic things that can define human identity, it brings new potential risks and possibilities.

For example, generative AI technologies like ChatGPT are called 'foundation models' . People can develop a large number of products based on this model and can make fine adjustments. In other words, they are not just products, but core technologies, which are the core of products that people can develop. This core technology itself is already very powerful, and we cannot even predict what people will develop based on it. We have never carefully considered how to control and standardize the fundamental model. This is a new concept He explained.

According to data provided by UNESCO, one out of every eight people worldwide suffer from mental or neurological disorders, and related treatment costs account for one-third of the total medical expenses in developed countries, becoming an increasingly heavy burden in low and middle-income countries.

According to data from the World Health Organization, the population aged 60 and above is expected to double to 2.1 billion by 2050, and these expenditures will continue to grow. Neurotechnology has great potential to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.

UNESCO believes, however, that without ethical barriers, these technologies may pose serious risks, because brain information can be accessed and manipulated, threatening basic rights and freedoms, which are the core of human identity, Freedom of thought, privacy, memory and other concepts.

Exacerbating global inequality and generating new risks of inequality

UNESCO data shows that currently, 50% of neural technology companies are located in the United States, and 35% are located in Europe and the United Kingdom. Due to the potential of neural technology leading the new generation of 'superhumans', this will further widen the gap between countries in education, skills, and wealth, giving people with the most advanced technology an unfair advantage.

According to its researchers' estimates, in the 10 years since 2010, private investment in Neurotechnology companies such as Onward Medical and Musk's Neuralink has increased more than 20 times, reaching US $7.3 billion by 2020. By 2027, the market of Neurotechnology equipment is expected to exceed 24 billion dollars.

The number of neuroscience papers increased from 57899 in 2011 to 94456 in 2021, while the number of global patents related to neuroscience increased from 418 in 2010 to 1531 in 2020.

Rafael Yuste, director of the Center for Neurotechnology at Columbia University in New York, is a leading neurobiologist and advocate for international regulation to protect mental privacy.

He said that not all of the four studies published last year had passed Peer review. "Researchers used non-invasive equipment that does not require Neurosurgery surgery to decode the voice and image in human volunteers' brains".

All four studies used advanced artificial intelligence models to decode brain data, "Ulster said." The new algorithm will enable people to decode highly sensitive information, making protecting psychological privacy even more urgent

He added that regulation was necessary because "Neurotechnology companies in the United States and Canada almost without exception have complete customer neural data in their consumer user agreements".

We need to protect intellectual property - otherwise companies will start storing brain data. They may not be able to decode it today, but artificial intelligence will enable them to decode it tomorrow, "he said.

Ulster's own laboratory has decoded and manipulated the neural processing of the visual cortex in mice, so that researchers can "implant illusions" - allowing them to see things they actually didn't see.

"We are not opposed to neural technology or require the suspension of research, because it has great potential to reduce the death and disability caused by Nervous system disease. But we need a globally coordinated regulatory approach to neural technology, not only in the medical field, but also in the consumer market," said Squicharini

What should be seen is that neural data, which captures individual reactions and basic emotions, is in strong demand in the consumer market. Unlike the data collected on social media platforms, most neural data is generated unconsciously and therefore cannot be licensed for use. If sensitive data is extracted and falls into the hands of bad people, individuals will bear its harmful consequences.

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