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A comment on Scientists extract images directly from brain (2008). Parent comment

Re:Scientists extract images directly from brain (2008) by dejb on Tuesday July 07, 2009 @07:30PM (#692852)
In the long term technology like this will end privacy for those who want to participate in the modern economy. But you shouldn't assume it will happen in a 'top down' way that will benefit totalitarian governments. Totalitarian governments require secrecy to do their evil deeds.

Look at the spread of mobile cameras (mostly in phones). These have allowed many an injustice to be exposed. The police no longer feel like they have immunity to do whatever they want.

Consider the benefits of being able to scan the brains of those accused of crimes against humanity. If people understood that in the long term there are no secrets they would hesitate to do evil deeds.

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Re:Scientists extract images directly from brain (2008) by dkokelley on Wednesday July 08, 2009 @03:15AM (#693481)
I think that our exposed thoughts would fall under freedom of speech in America. That, and the 5th amendment ("...nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself...").
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Re:Scientists extract images directly from brain (2008) by tophat02 on Wednesday July 08, 2009 @11:31AM (#694045)
But don't forget the part about "without due process." I think that in the future, we will definitely see the use of technology like this to read the minds of accused felons. I also predict the court will declare this perfectly consitutional, as your right to privacy is effectively waived given the right court order (and the motivating "probably cause").

TRULY innocent people will probably like this tech a lot.

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Re:Scientists extract images directly from brain (2008) by dejb on Wednesday July 08, 2009 @09:53AM (#693879)
I'm not sure how relevant the constitution will be in a future where you can read peoples minds among other things.
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Re:Scientists extract images directly from brain (2008) by randallsquared on Tuesday July 07, 2009 @11:04PM (#693127)
Not only that, but it should be perfectly clear now that if this technology is perfected and inexpensive in the future, then doing things now that you wouldn't want people to know about in the future is usually a bad idea as well. Act and think as though everything about your thoughts and actions will eventually be known to everyone who might be interested.

I guess how you think and act, then, will be a measure of whether you want to be thought of as moral or interesting. ;)

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