Brain-Computer Interface Startup’s Saudi Partnership Sparks Ethical Concerns
Staff Editor Brain-Computer Interface Startup Partners with Saudi Arabia’s Neom Project
Paradromics, a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup, has announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Neom city-building project. The collaboration will involve the construction of a clinical research center on the Red Sea coast, where Neom is being developed.
As Paradromics prepares to launch human clinical trials in the United States, the company is also eyeing potential expansion to Saudi Arabia. However, this partnership has raised concerns among human rights advocates due to Saudi Arabia’s poor track record in this area.
The Neom project itself has faced criticism over alleged human rights abuses, including reports of forced labor and the use of lethal force. Unconfirmed reports suggest that over 21,000 immigrant workers have died during the construction of Neom’s centerpiece skyscraper, the Line, although Saudi officials deny these claims.
Adding to the controversy, Neom CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr recently departed abruptly, fueling speculation about internal issues within the project.
The collaboration between Paradromics and Saudi Arabia also raises ethical questions about the potential misuse of BCI technology. Given the kingdom’s history of human rights violations, there are concerns that such technology could be used for monitoring or controlling workers. This issue is particularly pertinent as some Western BCI companies are already exploring productivity monitoring applications with employers.
Paradromics’ primary goal is to develop implants that can help patients regain speech by translating brain signals. The company has successfully tested its technology on sheep and is now preparing for human trials. CEO Matt Angle has indicated that once operational, the company would be ready to conduct trials outside the United States.
In the competitive landscape of BCI technology, Paradromics faces stiff competition from Neuralink, which has already begun human trials. Neuralink’s implants have enabled patients to browse the web and play video games using their thoughts.
For Saudi Arabia, this partnership may be part of broader efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependence. The kingdom holds significant petroleum reserves, with oil exports comprising a large portion of its GDP. However, the role of brain implants in this economic diversification strategy remains unclear.
As this collaboration moves forward, it highlights both the potential opportunities and significant ethical concerns surrounding BCI technology development. The partnership between Paradromics and Saudi Arabia reflects broader trends in the field, while also raising important questions about the responsible development and deployment of such powerful technologies.
