Is Neuralink's Brain Chip At Risk Of Being Hacked? Here's What First Recipient Noland Arbaugh Says

Neuralink's brain chip has demonstrated promising outcomes for its first recipient, Noland Arbaugh, who received it in January.

The potential for the chip to be hacked was discussed in a podcast interview with Joe Rogan, released on Thursday, where Arbaugh confirmed, "The short answer is yes."

Is Neuralink's Brain Chip At Risk Of Being Hacked?

While Rogan lightheartedly speculated about the possibility of humans being hijacked and transformed into cyborgs, Arbaugh clarified that hacking his brain implant would have limited consequences at this point. "You might be able to see some of the brain signals," he explained, as reported by Hindustan Times.

"You might be able to see some of the data that Neuralink's collecting." The nature of such data remains unclear, but the Neuralink chip, approximately the size of a coin, is equipped with thousands of electrodes that monitor and stimulate brain activity, with information being digitally transmitted to researchers.

Arbaugh, a 29-year-old quadriplegic, had previously shared with Business Insider that the brain chip had significantly enhanced his independence and social connectivity. Through the chip, he is able to control a cursor on his computer using only his brain. "I've been using it to message people on X, use Instagram, reply to emails, play fantasy sports, read comics online, and access a site I use to learn Japanese," Arbaugh said.

He also mentioned using the chip to book a hotel for a visit to Neuralink's headquarters. During his conversation with Rogan, Arbaugh noted that if he were connected to his computer during a hacking attempt, an intruder could potentially manipulate his mouse cursor and access his messages and emails by infiltrating his computer, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Despite these risks, Arbaugh expressed a pragmatic attitude toward the possibility of hacking, stating, "It is what it is. I think if it happens, it happens." He emphasized that he had been made aware of the hacking risks before joining the study and does not feel overly concerned about them.

Currently, Neuralink's primary focus is on medical applications. Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink, has predicted that the chip could one day "solve" mental conditions like autism and schizophrenia. However, some neuroscientists have contested this claim, arguing that the chip may not be capable of altering the brain's developmental structure affected by certain conditions, as per media reports.

Nonetheless, the technology holds potential for assisting paralyzed patients, like Arbaugh, in achieving improved movement. Looking forward, Musk envisions making Neuralink chips mainstream, likening them to a "Fitbit in your skull." If this vision becomes a reality, the concern over hacking could become more significant and pressing.