Project Brain Implant- Elon Musks Neuralink Denies Claims of Animal Cruelty

Neuralink’s brain-computer interface technology is currently being tested in animals. Electrodes are implanted into macaque monkeys or pigs to link their brains with a computer.

Neuralink, however, responded to the allegations that its animal testing methods are cruel and have led to the “horrific mistreatment and death” of many macaque monkeys in a Monday statement. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) filed a federal complaint with the United States Department of Agriculture. It alleged that Neuralink had abused monkeys at the University of California, Davis. PCRM is an international non-profit organization that works to end animal suffering and promote non-animal testing.

Neuralink is currently working on a gadget Musk calls a “Fitbit inside your skull” that can measure the movement and temperature of an individual, and then wirelessly transmit the data to a mobile device.

The FDA declared the technology a breakthrough in 2020. Human studies are expected to start this year. According to Bloomberg, 23 monkeys were mistreated by Neuralink while it tested its implanted brain technology. They refused to provide the necessary physical and mental care and used an “unapproved chemical” in tests. In some cases, they even tried to kill them before the experiment was completed.

According to PCRM, the assertions were based on data obtained through public records requests. The organization claims that there are over 600 pages of “disturbing materials.” The university has received a second request from PCRM to obtain footage and images of the animals.

Musk speculates on mass-market implants, but Neuralink follows in the footsteps of other research groups who have looked into BCI’s potential to allow paralyzed patients to use robotic limbs or write words.

The company released a video last year showing a monkey playing Pong through its implant. This was an indication of the early stages of their research.