You’ve heard the term “Internet of Things” – where inanimate objects can be connected to the internet and each other.
The concept of the “Internet of Bodies” (IoB) takes connecting through the internet a step further by integrating technology directly with our bodies. Coined by Dr Andrea M. Matwyshyn, IoB refers to a network where human body integrity and functionality are intertwined with the internet and technologies like AI. Here’s a breakdown of what IoB entails, categorized by how the devices interact with the human body:
- External Devices:
- These are wearable technologies like smartwatches, fitness bands, or smart glasses. They are non-invasive and collect health metrics or facilitate interactions with other smart devices.
- Internal Devices:
- These include implanted or ingested devices such as pacemakers with digital capabilities, smart prosthetics directly connected to the body’s nervous system, or digital pills that monitor health from within and transmit data externally.
- Integrated Devices:
- This advanced category involves technologies that become a part of the body and maintain a continuous internet connection, like the brain-computer interfaces being developed by companies like Neuralink. These devices can translate brain signals into digital commands, allowing users to interact with and control external devices.
Benefits and Concerns:
- Advantages: IoB can lead to significant advancements in personal healthcare monitoring, increased bodily function, and more efficient patient management for healthcare providers.
- Risks and Ethical Considerations: As with any technology collecting personal data, privacy is a major concern. The potential for misuse of personal health data by unauthorized entities could be significant. Ethical issues also arise regarding the disparity between those who can afford these technologies and those who cannot, potentially leading to a new form of inequality.
Regulations and Protections:
- Devices that are medical in nature, like cochlear implants or pacemakers, are regulated by bodies such as the FDA in the U.S. However, consumer-grade IoB devices might not fall under such stringent regulations.
- Existing laws like the GDPR in Europe and HIPAA in the U.S. offer some protections by securing personal data and restricting its usage without consent.
Industry Outlook:
- The market for connected medical devices is booming, with significant financial growth projected for the coming years. This growth emphasizes the increasing integration of technology in healthcare and personal wellness.
As we navigate the expanding landscape of the Internet of Bodies, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and personal privacy will be crucial. The potential for transforming healthcare and personal capabilities is immense, but so are the challenges related to data security and ethical disparities.
