Facebook is developing mind-reading brain ‘interface’ capable of recording humans’ thoughts
Social network wants to use creepy science fiction-style technology to scan victims' minds and help them communicate telepathically
MARK Zuckerberg has admitted that his firm is secretly developing a mind-reading brain "interface" designed to allow humans to communicate telepathically.
The billionaire made the terrifying revelation at the social network's annual F8 conference.
His firm is quietly working on a "'mind computer interface" capable of reading thoughts.
Zuckerberg was tight-lipped about the technology, but further details are expected to be revealed today.
He said Facebook was working to develop "direct brain interfaces that are going to, eventually, one day, let you communicate using only your mind".
Facebook has a top secret division called Building 8 which is dedicated to working on groundbreaking technology.
It recently posted job advertisements seeking a "brain-computer interface engineer" who will apply "machine learning methods, including encoding and decoding models, to neuroimaging and electrophysiological data".
The social network is also seeking a "neural imaging engineer" to "work on a project focused on developing novel non-invasive neuroimaging technologies".
The billionaire's charitable organisation, the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, recently handed cash to a researcher working to develop “clinically viable and minimally invasive neural interfaces” .
These are likely to be used to control prosthetic limbs.
However, mind-reading technology could also allow Facebook to spy on its users in almost unprecedented detail.
Yann LeCunn, Facebook’s artificial intelligence chief, worked on the development of systems which could one day help computers automatically spy on humans.
He contributed to academic papers exploring the creation of software which would serve as a “key component” in an automated surveillance network.
Are you concerned about the development of mind-reading interfaces? Are you an insider who wants to tell the world about the risks posed by this sort of technology? Contact [email protected] or phone 0207 782 4387
The AI bod also admitted he’s trying to teach computers to predict the future.
Yann LeCun, leader of Facebook’s AI research division, said this terrifying-sounding capability is “a big part of our effort in making progress” in the development of super-smart computers.
It remains to be seen whether humans will be comforable letting corporations - and governments- read their thoughts.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368