Experts state that leading companies like Meta are conducting studies on analyzing and reconstructing brain activities, commonly referred to as 'mind reading' among the public, by combining artificial intelligence with neuroscience. They also emphasize that a model developed by Meta's research team is claimed to have achieved an 80 percent accuracy rate in predicting what a person is thinking.
Dr. Belaynesh Chekol from the Computer Engineering Department, who also noted that researchers from the University of Texas have succeeded in translating brain activity into speech using artificial intelligence, said, “When companies and organizations adopt this technology, they will have the power to access individuals' private thoughts and secrets, controlling and manipulating them.”
Dr. Belaynesh Chekol from the Computer Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, evaluated “mind-reading with artificial intelligence” technologies that have recently garnered public attention.
What stage are "mind-reading" studies at?
Dr. Belaynesh Chekol stated that leading companies like Meta are conducting studies on analyzing and reconstructing brain activities, commonly referred to as "mind reading" among the public, by combining artificial intelligence with neuroscience. She said, “A model developed by Meta's research team is claimed to have achieved an 80 percent accuracy rate in predicting what a person is thinking. Similarly, researchers from the University of Texas have also succeeded in translating brain activity into speech using artificial intelligence. While these developments hold promising potential for individuals with conditions leading to speech disorders, such as paralysis, they also bring serious ethical issues like the violation of personal privacy. The ethical dimensions of such technologies, which pose risks to individual autonomy and data security, should not be overlooked.”
Does this technology affect individuals' privacy rights?
Stating that this technology will affect individuals' privacy rights, Dr. Belaynesh Chekol said, “When companies and organizations adopt this technology, they will have the power to access individuals' private thoughts and secrets, controlling and manipulating them.”
Data collected from users must be handled carefully
Addressing the ethical principles and regulatory standards that should be established for the use of the developed artificial intelligence model, Dr. Belaynesh Chekol stated, “Data collected from users must be handled carefully regarding how it is collected, stored, used, and shared. Similarly, neural data obtained from individuals requires strict ethical considerations to protect their privacy, security, and trust.”
Users should be informed about the ownership of neural data
Dr. Belaynesh Chekol also listed some fundamental ethical principles:
“Clear and Revocable Consent: Users must be fully informed about the purpose, format, duration, and ownership of their neural data and must have the option to withdraw their consent at any time.
Transparency: Individuals must be educated about the potential benefits and limitations of the technology to enable informed decision-making.
Privacy Protection: Like other sensitive data, neural data must be protected with robust measures to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
Balance: Instead of excessive reliance on or complete disregard for the use of artificial intelligence, a balanced approach should be adopted; both extremes can lead to problems.
Legal Compliance: The adoption of such technologies must comply with both national and international laws and regulations.
Furthermore, relevant devices and systems should be regularly monitored to ensure they adapt to evolving standards and innovations. Continuous assessment of potential risks is also vital to minimize negative impacts.”
Is this technology an intervention into individuals' thought processes?
Addressing whether these technologies constitute an intervention into individuals' thought processes, Dr. Belaynesh Chekol said, “Yes, naturally, the data accessed is neural data encompassing our emotions, thoughts, secrets, and general mental state. If such sensitive information is collected and used for various purposes without the user's consent or intention, it constitutes a serious intervention. This unauthorized use not only violates privacy but also undermines trust and autonomy, raising significant ethical and moral concerns.”
What are the psychological effects of mind-reading technology?
Pointing to the potential effects of mind-reading technology on public safety and individuals' psychology, Dr. Belaynesh Chekol stated, “Some significant psychological effects on individuals include heightened self-monitoring, where a person becomes overly conscious of their own thought processes. This can lead to feelings of being judged, controlled, or manipulated, as well as the fear of being monitored or reported for temporary thoughts that do not fully reflect oneself. Over time, these cumulative effects can strain personal relationships, disrupt family dynamics, and lead to broader tensions within communities.”
We should neither be completely dependent on them nor completely avoid them…
Referring to the proverb "Every evil has some good in it," Dr. Belaynesh Chekol concluded by saying, “Mind-reading technologies or similar AI applications are more like 'evils within goods.' If we do not properly understand these hidden risks, the potential benefits they offer may also be wasted. Whether it's mind-reading technologies or other AI-powered tools, instead of being completely dependent on them or completely avoiding them, it is crucial for both individuals and communities to take the time to better understand them and strike a balance. For now, mind-reading technologies are not accessible to everyone, at least not yet.”