What is the BrainGate2 clinical trial?

The BrainGate2 clinical trial is an ongoing study that has seen remarkable successes in using a brain-computer interface to enable communication for people with speech disabilities.

Home / Science / Brain-Computer Interface Decodes Inner Speech, Sparking Privacy Debate

Brain-Computer Interface Decodes Inner Speech, Sparking Privacy Debate

Q: How does the new study on decoding inner speech work?

The study, published in the journal Cell, found that a computer system could accurately predict the words participants were imagining saying, with one participant achieving over 70% accuracy. The researchers also developed an "inner password" system to give users control over when the system decodes their inner speech.

Q: What are the privacy concerns raised by this technology?

The study found that the computer system could sometimes detect words that participants were silently thinking, raising concerns about the potential for the system to eavesdrop on private thoughts. To address this, the researchers explored strategies to block the system from accessing unintended inner speech.

14 Aug

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Summary

Researchers decode brain signals to translate imagined speech into words
Raises concerns about potential eavesdropping on private thoughts
Participants use "inner password" to control when the system decodes their inner speech

Brain-Computer Interface Decodes Inner Speech, Sparking Privacy Debate

In a significant advancement, researchers have developed a brain-computer interface that can decode inner speech, translating imagined words into text. This breakthrough could revolutionize communication for those with speech disabilities, such as those affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or stroke.

The study, published in the journal Cell in July 2025, builds on the ongoing BrainGate2 clinical trial. Researchers found that the computer system could accurately predict the words participants were imagining saying, with one participant achieving over 70% accuracy. The team also developed an "inner password" system, allowing users to control when the system decodes their inner speech.

However, the research has raised concerns about the potential for the system to eavesdrop on private thoughts. In one experiment, the computer was able to detect words that participants were silently counting, suggesting it could potentially decode unintended inner speech. To address this, the researchers explored strategies to block the system from accessing private thoughts, such as only decoding attempted speech.

"This study represents a step in the right direction, ethically speaking," said bioethicist Cohen Marcus Lionel Brown. "If implemented faithfully, it would give patients even greater power to decide what information they share and when."

As the research continues, the team is working to improve the accuracy and speed of the inner speech decoding, with the goal of enabling more natural and fluid communication for those with speech disabilities.

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