The year is 2030. Ten years ago, Alexandre Gonfalonieri authored an article in the Harvard Business Review called “What Brain Computer Interfaces Could Mean for the Future of Work”. In it, he discussed research being done on brain computer interfaces (BCI) and how advances in the field could dramatically alter the future of work, particularly in large corporations. He suggested greater efficiencies would be on the horizon, but also acknowledged that the area was ripe for abuse given data collection on evaluating, monitoring, and training employees. As has so often happened in the past, technology has moved ahead of policies and regulations.
You work as a staff assistant to U.S. Congresswoman, Bisa Abebe. Recently, she has had several conversations with constituents that she has found very troubling. She is hearing that the use of BCIs is growing and that gender, age and lifestyle can impact their use. There appear to be no regulations nor guidelines on privacy protection or who owns any data collected. There appears to be a belief among many experts that “between 15 to 30% of individuals inherently are not able to produce brain signals robust enough to operate a BCI.” Who are these people? Those with learning differences? Creatives? Congresswoman Abebe wants to call attention to BCIs. Where are areas of possible abuse? Who could be left behind if they are widely adopted? What rights should employees have in choosing or refusing to use the BCIs?
You are being asked to write a six to eight page narratively structured memo that describes how BCIs could be abused and recommendations for federal legislation to address the possible abuses. You are not being asked to write the legislation, but instead to identify six to eight areas of most significant concern and why they call out for legislative action. Your memo will create the context for a discussion on CBIs at an upcoming meeting Congresswoman Abebe will have with members of her caucus.
Your research for this memo may draw on readings from the course, the resources and websites listed earlier, as well as additional sources. You should review the executive summary of the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report: 2020Links to an external site..
What Brain-Computer Interfaces Could Mean for the Future of Work Links to an external site.