'No way to tell what's real' as AI brain chips could put 'deepfakes in the brain'

AI brain chips could leave users trapped in a fake reality, a security expert has warned.

Erich Kron, a security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, told The US Sun that, at worst, AI brain chips could cause us to question reality.

Neuralink has begun human trials for its AI brain chipCredit: Neuralink

Security experts are concerned about the consequences of having a device in our headsCredit: Neuralink

“I think one of the biggest security risks we face with electronics wired into our brains is deception.

“Although the Neuralink chip is currently only designed to read brain signals so that someone can control another device, every time we connect directly to the brain there is a risk that it could be hacked and used to send signals back to the brain,” said the specialist.

Kron is not the first person to worry about the security risk of brain chips.

Several other experts have warned about the dangers of hacking medical devices since Elon Musk's Neuralink recently implanted its first device into a human.

The billionaire posted about the chip implant on his platform X, but has not revealed any details since.

“The first person received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well.

“Early results show promising neuron spike detection,” Musk said on January 29.

Neuralink's brain chip is intended as a medical device that can cure brain diseases, but also as a gadget that will allow humans to compete with AI in the future.

The companies website says its mission is to “create a generalized brain interface to restore autonomy to people with unmet medical needs today and unlock human potential tomorrow.”

However, even the best technology comes with risks and medical devices are not immune to hacking and tampering.

Elon Musk's Neuralink places computer chips in the brains of pigs in the hope of linking humans to artificial intelligence

Kron is concerned that a device like a Neuralink brain chip could make users unable to trust their own thoughts.

“People are easy enough to deceive because our senses are natural, but the idea that an outside force could potentially manipulate what we see, hear and feel is a scary proposition.

“Imagine not being able to tell whether what you see in front of you is real or fake, and the consequences can occur if someone can control that perception.

“Taking directly into the brain, especially with devices designed to allow wireless data flow, is something we have to be very careful about,” he said.