LANEKQUA ROBINSON

My name is Lanekqua Robinson, and I am deeply committed to addressing the ethical and societal challenges posed by emerging technologies, particularly brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). As BCIs transition from experimental tools to mainstream applications—enhancing cognitive abilities, enabling direct neural communication, and even merging human intelligence with artificial systems—we stand at a critical juncture. Without proactive measures, these technologies risk exacerbating existing inequalities and creating a new form of social stratification. Today, I want to share my vision for ensuring equitable access to BCI advancements.

1. My Background and Motivation

As a researcher specializing in neuroethics and social policy, I have spent the past decade studying how technology intersects with human rights. My work spans collaborations with neuroscientists, policymakers, and marginalized communities to identify systemic risks. BCIs, while promising medical breakthroughs (e.g., restoring mobility for paralysis patients), also pose a unique threat: cognitive elitism. Those with access to advanced BCIs could gain disproportionate advantages in education, employment, and decision-making power, leaving others behind.

2. Key Risks of BCIs in Social Stratification

• Economic Barriers: High costs of cutting-edge BCIs may restrict access to wealthy individuals or corporations, deepening wealth gaps.

• Data Exploitation: Neural data harvested by BCIs could be monetized or weaponized, compromising privacy and autonomy.

• Cultural Bias: BCI design and training datasets often reflect the values of dominant groups, excluding diverse perspectives.

• Legal Gaps: Current regulations lack frameworks to prevent discrimination based on "enhanced" vs. "non-enhanced" cognitive status.

3. My Proposed Solutions

To mitigate these risks, I advocate for a three-pillar approach:

A. Universal Design Principles

• Mandate open-source BCI architectures to democratize innovation.

• Prioritize medical and assistive applications over enhancement to ensure necessity-driven development.