Neuralink Insights for Data Governance and the Role of Sociotechnical Imaginaries in the Smart City

• In Event: Innovation, STS and Good Relations: Building Socio-technical Futures in Unequal and Uncertain Worlds - I

Abstract

With Elon Musk's techno-utopian imaginary taking shape in the form of a brain implant device known as Neuralink, and goals to commercialize this, there are risks and ethical considerations that must be taken into account. This paper discusses these considerations of this futuristic technology, and situates them with emerging data governance concepts and smart city imaginaries of the future, arguing for the need to build in more anticipatory governance and awareness of emerging technologies into the current approaches. The paper's methodology reviews existing Deep Brain Simulation (DBS) literature for identifying ethical considerations, and weaves in STS literature regarding sociotechnical imaginaries and anticipatory governance, along with reviewing mixed-media availability on developing commercial implants and brainwave-reading devices, such as Neuralink. The analysis involves scenarios to identify ethical concerns and risks within a smart city context being shaped by the sociotechnical imaginaries of Elon Musk.

Author

• Elma Hajric, SFIS - Arizona State University