Elon Musk's Neuralink implant sparks panic over 'identity theft and blackmail'

SCIENTISTS have weighed in on Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip implants and raised some major concerns.

Bioethicist Nancy Jecker and neurosurgeon Andrew Ko were asked to give their opinions on the futuristic devices.

The scientists wrote an article The conversation which highlighted some of the concerns they have about brain chips and hacking.

“No matter how well-intentioned medical interventions can have unintended consequences.

“With BCIs (brain computer interfaces), scientists and ethicists are particularly concerned about the potential for identity theft, password hacking and blackmail.

“Given the way the devices access users' thoughts, there is also the possibility that their autonomy could be manipulated by third parties.”

Both Jecker and Ko are not the only ones expressing these concerns.

“Anything can be hacked; brain chips are no different. And if we have thousands and thousands of them, it's likely,” computer security authority Roger Grimes told The US Sun.

“But I don't think we have to worry until we have a lot of them.”

Jecker and Ko noted that a device like a brain implant has the potential to “profoundly improve” the lives of certain patients.

Musk has said he would like his Neuralink chips to help patients with brain diseases or neurological disorders that negatively impact their quality of life.

The billionaire also hopes that the chips will help us compete with artificial intelligence in the future.

Despite the positive points, Jecker and Ko also raised other ethical issues.

They criticized the way Neuralink is funded and questioned whether it would be used for the public good.

'When scientific research is funded by government agencies or philanthropic groups, its purpose is to advance the public good.

“In contrast, Neuralink embodies a private equity model that is becoming increasingly common in science,” they wrote.

The scientists said that while Neuralink strives for good, its private financing approach can also lead to a drive for profit.

Jecker and Ko are afraid that this could conflict with the interests of the patients who receive the implants.