Group 8

Introduction

Neuralink Brain Chip (2075) The Neuralink Brain Chip is a revolutionary advancement in neural technology, and remains one of the most influential innovations of the 21st century. Developed by the neurotechnology company Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, the chip was designed to work directly with the human brain, enhancing one's cognitive abilities, offering exclusive medical treatments and human-computer integration which offers a large variety of advantages. By 2075, the Neuralink Brain Chip has evolved into a highly sophisticated and ever-present device, deeply integrated into everyday life. Its medical uses can range from treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries. The Neuralink Brain Chip is even capable of augmenting human memory, creativity and sensory perception. The chip, now far more advanced than its early iterations, features wireless connectivity and a vast number of never before seen capabilities. It is capable of not only monitoring brain activity but also providing instant feedback to optimize cognitive functions. In 2075, the chip is commonly used for communication, with many people using it to send thoughts and emotions directly to one another without the need for speech or spoken language. The Neuralink Brain Chip also allows for contactless payment simply by sending your payment as a thought. Virtual reality experiences and environments are also just a thought away. While Neuralink has faced ethical concerns and regulatory challenges, its influence on society and technology in 2075 is undeniable. As a tool for both human enhancement and medical therapy, the Neuralink Brain Chip represents a key milestone in the fusion of biology and technology, while shaping the future of human potential.

History

The first brain-computer interface was installed in a human in 2004, known as the Utah Array. This allowed the paralyzed man to control a computer cursor with their neural impulses. Created by Richard Normann, this device was attached to the skill through an opening in the skin flap.

Neuralink was founded by Elon Musk, Max Hodak, Tim Hanson, Ben Rapoport, and Dongjin Seo in June 2016, with the goal of creating implantable devices that could be inserted into a human’s brain to enhance certain abilities, such as cognitive and neurological conditions.

Timeline

In 2017, Neuralink was mentioned for the first time in the public eye at the World Government Summit in Dubai. Musk’s goal was to create a symbiosis between humans and technology.

in 2019 Neuralink made its first debut, showing the implant live in a pig. This highlighted the company’s ability to physically install the chip into live beings and was a proof of concept for future applications.

In 2021, human trials for Neuralink began. Certain people were selected based on artificial criteria, as well as people from a large range of ethnicities.

In 2025, Neuralink mass trials began, with sign-ups possible for those with brain-related disorders such as adhd, bi-polar disorder, and depression. The government approved the installation of the devices into persons for medical purposes.

In 2035, Neuralink became publicly available for the general population. Device availability was scarce. Only 1000 devices were created annually, citing resource management as the main reason for a decrease in supply. Additionally, costs for implementation were around $500,000 USD, as implanting could only be done at the one Neuralink facility in California.

In 2050, prices for Neuralink decreased, citing a sudden mass availability of resources, specifically the gold, required to build the motherboard units of the devices. Prices fell to $100,000 USD, and implanting sites also expanded, as countries such as Canada, The United Kingdom, and China opened locations. This rapidly expanded the user base, with China alone adding around 500,000 users in the first year of international release.

In 2065, prices continued to drop, as cheaper alternatives were found to create the motherboard and other components of the device. Implanting sites opened internationally, with every continent receiving at least 3 implant centers. Device price lowered to $10,000 USD, and surgical complications from the implantation process had all but vanished, most stress from individuals about getting the device.

As of 2070, more than 15 percent of the average global population, approximately 150,000,000 people has installed the device. Creation of special centers for Neuralink only members have created communities where members only interact with one another. Neuralink had worked to remove barriers to entry in recent years, however the easy implementation and low price of the new models have installation percentages rising.

Geographical Impacts

As of 2075, the mass production of Neuralink has had profound environmental impacts. Because of Neuralink’s implementation within human bodies, its production requires natural resources that are native to Canada such as gold, platinum, cobalt and lithium. Historically, these resources are mined in various locations across Canada. Mines across Ontario and Quebec have been rich in gold, cobalt and lithium, and Quebec particularly has many historic quartz mines and silicon refineries. Newer lithium mines in Alberta are keeping Canada as a supplier for Neuralink Corporation despite its slow-down on exporting other resources. The use of fossil fuels over the years has had an aggravating effect on the global climate crisis, however, recent implementation of small modular reactors (SMRs), a long-anticipated form of nuclear energy, have brought a new hope that the industry might pivot to more sustainable practices. Canada has long been admired for the beauty of its natural landscape, however, the construction and expansion of various mines and refineries across Canada has put many of its natural resources in jeopardy. Open-pit mining and the expansion of new transportation routes across the country has greatly changed its natural territories and landscape, often leading to a decrease in the natural vegetation and disturbing the natural species. Many natural freshwater resources have been the target of legal battles and protests among environmentalists as concerns regarding the preservation of these natural resources have become increasingly pressing.

Ethical Issues

Legal

Animal Welfare

Neuralink had been tested on animals extensively prior to 2030, with multiple reports of animals implanted with the early versions of the device suffering brain bleeds and chemical poisoning from material waste. Elon Musk denied all wrongdoings and animal welfare was discontinued in 2030 when human implementations became mainstream.

Privacy Issues

Neuralink is given kernel level access to the various senses of the individual. Neuralink in the past had been accused of selling customer’s data during 2060 to international third parties. This raised concerns on how much data Neuralink collects from individuals and to what degree do users have a right to privacy when interfaced with Neuralink. Consent forms are signed upon installation of devices; however, users report more information than agreed upon are given to third-parties, citing advertisements as a large source of information leaks.

Healthcare

There has been a significant issue with early versions of the Neuralink that resulted in the battery leaking corrosive and toxic materials into subjects’ brains, causing neurological damage resulting in loss of motor functions and a decline in cognitive capabilities. The battery was changed in Version 5 to alert the user as to a possible leakage earlier, allowing them to receive medical treatment in a timely manner.

Replacing the Neuralink also requires specific surgeons not available in every metropolitan area. Canada currently has three surgeons who specialize in the replacement and inserting of Neuralink devices, one at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, St. Michael’s Hospital, and Victoria General Hospital. Wait times for these visits have historically been as long as two years, and with strict regulations, doctors are struggling to become certified.

Economic

As of 2075, only Elon Musk’s Neuralink is readily available on the open market. No competitors have yet to create a version of their chip for retail consumers. This has led to a stagnation in the competitive market, allowing prices to surge while demand continues to climb. Industry standards are only compared to Neuralink’s regulations, while competing companies struggle to meet high industry standards set by Neuralink’s industry-wide standard.

Disparities

Because of Neuralink’s widespread impacts on human cognition and ability, drastic shifts in social climate have taken place in societies around the world. Perceptions of Canadian culture historically have been that of openness and tolerance but in recent years divides across the population have emerged according to chip status. Those with Neuralink have access to better, more efficient education and therefore job opportunities. Not only have already-existing class divides been exacerbated by the chip, but those opposed to getting it because of health and privacy concerns have suffered economic loss as well. Despite Neuralink’s attempts to make the technology as affordable as possible, the technology and insertion nonetheless is a costly endeavor, leaving many citizens below or close to the poverty line behind. Those refusing to accept the advancement have diminishing access to education, as their memory and cognitive capabilities are limited. Lower-skill jobs have been automated to the extent that employment rates have dropped drastically in lower income areas. Some anti-chip citizens have found monetary survival through a pivot into art as a renewed valuing of authentic, human-generated (as opposed to AI generated) art has permeated even upper-class, chipped factions of society.

Individual Stories

Neuralink Research & Development- Dr. John Doe