In this episode of Technology and Security, Dr Miah Hammond-Errey speaks with Professor Nita Farahany about the increasing emergence of neurotechnology and what it means for national security as well as consumers, policy makers, military forces and nation states. They discuss the importance of ensuring the privacy of brain data as the ‘final piece in the jigsaw puzzle’ of data collection by large technology companies. They also discuss the possibility of identifying, verifying and targeting individuals by their neural signature and why addressing this technology should be a national security priority. They explore the current and potential roles neurotechnology can play in combatting information warfare and improving cognitive resilience as well as the increasing role of AI. Finally, they highlight what to look out for in tech in 2024. 

Nita Farahany is a Professor of Law & Philosophy at Duke University and is a leading scholar in the ethical, legal and social implications of emerging technologies. She has consulted extensively and including advising DARPA and has testifying before Congress. Nita was on the US Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues for many years. Her latest book, The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the right to think freely in the age of neurotechnology, examines the ethical and legal challenges of emerging neurotechnology. 

Technology and Security is hosted by Dr Miah Hammond-Errey, the inaugural director of the Emerging Technology program at the United States Studies Centre, based at the University of Sydney. 

Resources mentioned in the recording:  

• (Nita Farahany) The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the right to think freely in the age of neurotechnology 
• (US Department of Health and Human Services) Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues 
• (Apple) Vision Pro  
• (Meta) Meta Connect Conference 
• (Miah Hammond-Errey) Big data and national security: A guide for Australian policymakers 
• (Miah Hammond-Errey) Big Data, Emerging Technologies and Intelligence: National Security Disrupted 
• (Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce, December 2021) Addition of Certain Entities to the Entity List and Revision of an Entry on the Entity List 
• (Miah Hammond-Errey) AI will shape our world – even our brains – but it can be regulated 
• (Daniel Kahneman) Thinking, Fast and Slow 

Miah’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Miah_HE 

The USSC website: https://www.ussc.edu.au/ 

Making great content requires fabulous teams. Thanks to the great talents of the following.  

• Research support and editorial assistance: Tom Barrett  
• Production: Elliott Brennan  
• Podcast design: Susan Beale 
• Music: Dr. Paul Mac 

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging — here and wherever you’re listening. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.