Privacy concerns are prevalent among AI wearables and brain-computer interface (BCI) devices due to their continuous data collection and monitoring capabilities.
San Francisco-based start-up Based Hardware recently unveiled Omi (https://www.omi.me), an artificial intelligence (AI) wearable device, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Priced at $89, Omi showcases early-stage brain-computer interface (BCI) technology alongside a focus on productivity-enhancing features.
Omi is available in two configurations: it can be worn as a necklace or affixed to the temple using medical tape. Both versions are activated by the voice command “Hey Omi.”
When attached to the temple, the device uses a single electrode to monitor brain activity. This BCI functionality enables Omi to detect patterns in neural activity, distinguishing intentional interactions from unrelated thoughts. This capability eliminates the need for verbal “wake words” or physical input, allowing for more seamless interaction.
In both configurations, Omi continuously listens and processes input to provide features such as meeting notes, contextual information, and task summaries. The device offers a battery life of approximately three days, balancing performance with portability.
The wearable’s “always-on” listening feature has prompted privacy concerns, a common issue for similar devices. Based Hardware has addressed these concerns by making Omi’s platform open-source. Users can inspect how their data is handled or choose to store it locally, ensuring greater transparency and control.
The open-source nature of Omi extends to its app ecosystem. With over 250 apps already available, users and developers can customize their experience or create new functionalities. Additionally, the device supports AI models from OpenAI and Meta, broadening its integration potential for diverse use cases.
While Omi represents a step forward for wearable AI and BCI technology, it also highlights ongoing challenges in the field. The practicality of taping a device to one’s head and consumer concerns over privacy are barriers to widespread adoption. However, its open-source framework and affordability may help it gain traction among early adopters and developers interested in exploring its capabilities.
Details on Omi’s hardware and software are available on its GitHub repository, offered under the MIT license:
https://github.com/BasedHardware/Omi
BCI Privacy Issues
Privacy concerns are prevalent among AI wearables and brain-computer interface (BCI) devices due to their continuous data collection and monitoring capabilities realted to:
Here are some notable examples:
Bee AI’s Pioneer Wearable
Introduced at CES, this device records ambient sound to generate personal to-do lists and conversation summaries. Its continuous listening feature has raised privacy concerns regarding the extent of data collection and user consent.
Apple’s Siri
A class-action lawsuit accused Apple of unlawfully surveilling users through unintended Siri activations, leading to a proposed $95 million settlement. This case underscores the privacy risks associated with voice-activated assistants inadvertently recording private conversations.
Synchron’s Brain Implant
Synchron has developed a brain implant that allows users to control devices using their thoughts. While offering significant advancements for individuals with physical disabilities, such technology raises ethical and privacy concerns regarding the collection and potential misuse of neural data.
Wearable Health Technology
Devices that monitor personal health data, such as heart rate and activity levels, collect significant amounts of personal information. This data is often stored in the cloud, raising concerns about data privacy, security, and third-party access without user consent.
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
BCIs that interpret neural signals to control external devices pose privacy challenges, including the unintentional collection and misuse of neural data. Unauthorized access to such data could compromise user privacy and enable malicious manipulation of the interface.
SOURCE MATERIAL :
Newsbyteapp Meet Omi, personalized AI wearable that can ‘read’ your mind – by Mudit Dube January 9, 2025
TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/08/omi-a-competitor-to-friend-wants-to-boost-your-productivity-using-ai-and-a-brain-interface – by Maxwell Zeff January 8, 2025
WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/bee-ai-omi-always-listening-ai-wearables – by Julian Chokkattu January 8, 2025
VOX https://www.vox.com/culture/393839/apple-siri-lawsuit-settlement-is-my-phone-spying-on-me – by Aja Romano January 9, 2025
THE TIMES https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/brain-implant-thats-ahead-of-elon-musk-in-the-race-to-read-minds-mwfp0233n – by Rhys Blakely January 6, 2025
Brown School of Engineering, Center for Digital Health (also listed as Center for Digital Humanities) Privacy Data Ethics of Wearable Digital Health Technology – by By Jason Peres da Silva May 4, 2023 https://cdh.brown.edu
Future of Privacy Forum BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES: PRIVACY AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE CONNECTED MIND by Jeremy Greenberg September 21, 2021
SEE ALSO :
https://bioethics.tech/brain-reading-tech-is-coming-the-law-is-not-ready-to-protect-us/
