The promise and peril of runaway technological advances | UN News
The UN Security Council on Monday explored the dual-edged nature of rapid technological advancements – ranging from artificial intelligence to neurotechnology – highlighting both groundbreaking solutions and emerging risks to global peace and security.
Prof. Bloch, a Swiss neurosurgeon, outlined her team’s development of a “digital bridge” between the brain and the spinal cord – a technology that enables paralyzed patients to walk again by bypassing spinal cord injuries.
The spinal cord controlling leg movement is intact, “just disconnected from the brain,” she said. By implanting electrodes in both the brain and spinal cord, and using artificial intelligence to decode brain signals, this system restores natural movement.
“We recently restored arm mobility in a tetraplegic patient and plan to extend the therapy to paralyses linked to strokes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease,” Prof. Bloch said.
Opportunities and ethical challenges
Prof. Courtine, a French neuroscientist, spoke about the broader societal impact of these advancements.
“This progress will have a significant impact on the lives of many people, including young athletes who have suffered injuries, soldiers returning from combat paralyzed, or civilians who are collateral victims,” he noted.
Beyond individual benefits, the widespread application of neurotechnology would also ease social and economic burdens. However, he cautioned that brain-machine interfaces, like those used in their research, could be exploited for non-therapeutic or military purposes.
“Our patients can already control drones with their thoughts,” he warned, warning that such capabilities could be used by healthy individuals for non-medical purposes, potentially raising new security risks.
Science fiction becomes reality
The rapid development of neurotechnology also introduces vulnerabilities. Devices like the “digital bridge” are susceptible to disruptions from electromagnetic fields or hacking, which could compromise critical neurological data.
“We are at a key moment in history,” Prof. Courtine said.
“What was science fiction a few decades ago is gradually becoming reality. It is our collective responsibility to shape this new era in an ethical and safe manner, while opening the doors to life-changing advances.”
