How to protect Human Rights in VR

Good morning everyone!

The past week was filled with exciting developments! From microchips beginning to be implanted into people's brains to research highlighting the significance of protecting human rights even in 3D worlds, there's a lot happening. Stay tuned to see what else unfolds!

Today’s Topics:

• 🧠 Neuralink Initiates First Human Trial Recruitment

• 🌐 How to Protect Human Rights in the 3D Immersive Web

• 👀 Immersed’s Productivity Headset is finally Around the Corner

Reading time: 6min

🧠 Neuralink Initiates First Human Trial Recruitment

Neuralink, owned by Elon Musk, is commencing its inaugural human trial named "the PRIME Study," aimed at testing its brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to aid individuals with paralysis in device control.

Details:

• The PRIME Study, abbreviated as Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface, is set to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Neuralink's BCI system 🏥, comprising the N1 implant, R1 surgical robot, and N1 User App software.

• Elon Musk's envisioned all-encompassing brain-computer concept remains distant, as the trial aims to facilitate device control for those with paralysis, rather than advanced telepathy or AI-human synchronization 🌌.

• The study involves an 18-month phase with nine research visits 👨‍🔬, followed by at least two hours of brain-computer interface research sessions per week and additional 20 visits over five years.

Our thoughts: Science fiction is inching closer to reality, and Neuralink embodies a pivotal stride towards potential cures for individuals grappling with paralysis. Beyond healthcare, the amalgamation of technology and neuroscience stands as a transformative juncture in human evolution. Imagine a world where access to the digital realm is seamless, bypassing the need for external devices…

🌐 How to Protect Human Rights in the 3D Immersive Web

A new report from NYU highlights the imminent shift from 2D Internet to 3D interactions fueled by advances in immersive technologies, raising crucial concerns about privacy erosion and increased aggression in virtual realms 🔓.

The emergence of the metaverse, heavily invested in by major tech entities like Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Sony, amplifies these risks and necessitates urgent actions. Therefore to prevent the potential harms the research makes some recommendations aimed to:

To the Industry:

• Erase user body-based data collected by extended reality (XR) systems once no longer needed 👤.

• Offer users multiple options to control their exposure to privacy and safety risks🔐.

• Integrate privacy, safety, and cybersecurity best practices from the inception of design.

To the Government:

• Enact comprehensive federal privacy laws ⚖️ restricting body-based data usage and reinforcing user consent.

• Strengthen federal oversight 👁️ over digital industries, especially XR platforms.

• Authorize federal agencies to investigate health and environmental implications of immersive technologies 🔍.

Why it matters: The research underlines that the move towards a 3D web using immersive technologies brings forth unparalleled risks. As we stand on the threshold of the metaverse, safeguarding personal autonomy and privacy is a litmus test of societal progress and ethical dedication.

As said by Einstein "The true value of a human being is determined primarily by the measure and the sense in which he has attained liberation from the self”, reinforcing the idea that technological advancements should honor and not infringe upon our fundamental human liberties 🌍.

👀 Immersed’s Productivity Headset is finally Around the Corner

The XR productivity and co-working app, Immersed, has finally unveiled comprehensive details about VISOR, their upcoming VR headset. Here's everything you need to know:

Details:

• VISOR is a lightweight VR headset specifically designed for enhancing productivity, available in two distinct models: a 2.5K per-eye Visor priced at $500 and a 4K per-eye Visor priced at $750 💰.

• Both models encompass essential features such as hand and eye tracking, 6 degrees of freedom, over 5 screens 🖥️, a 100° field of view, ultra widescreen, custom interpupillary distance (IPD), nose-insert, light-blocker, and stem & strap attachments.

• Notably, the hardware supports both wired and wireless functionality, indicating potential onboard processing for mobile VR experiences and a built-in battery 🔋. However, specific chipset details and battery life have yet to be disclosed.

• Immersed provides personalized headsets, tailored to the unique measurements of each user 👥. This includes locking in their IPD and supplying nose inserts and light blockers that closely match the user's facial shape.

Why it matters: This is the most productivity focus VR that we have seen so far. Prioritizing user experience and comfort, it has the potential to elevate the concept of remote working to unprecedented levels, making it appealing for a broader audience.