PRISONERS of the future could serve their sentence in a matter of minutes by accepting an implant that loads their brain with synthetic memories and triggers emotions.
The bizarre concept sees criminals hooked up to a VR-like headset alongside a brain chip that allows them to experience grief of their victim’s family through AI-generated memories.
Creators claim the idea, known as Cognify, would provide offenders with a fast-track rehabilitation programme instead of spending years behind bars.
The vivid memories will play out in their minds slower than in real life so years of key moments are felt within minutes.
Another black mirror episode
Social media user
They would start by undergoing a brain scan mapping out their neural pathways so doctors can target specific parts of the brain.
Biotechnologist Hashem Al-Ghaili, who’s leading the project, said: “Once the target brain regions are identified, Cognify is then placed around the head of the prisoner. The intensity and the type of artificial memories are then adjusted depending on the crime.
“Synthetic memories are customised depending on the crime committed and the unique brain structure and psychological profile of the individual.
“The artificial memories implanted by the Cognify would be seamlessly incorporated into the existing neural networks of the brain, preventing cognitive dissonance and ensuring the subject experiences the memories as if they were real.”
Depending on the seriousness of the person’s crime and their sentence, the memories could be tailored to the rehabilitation needs of each subject.
These memories may cover a range of crimes, including domestic violence, hate crimes, discrimination, embezzlement, insider trading, theft, and fraud, Cognify claims.
They’ll be seamlessly incorporated into the existing neural network of the person’s brain so it feels like the memory is real and belongs to them.
“Violent offenders could experience memories that are designed to trigger empathy and remorse, seeing their crime from the perspective of their victim and feeling their pain and suffering firsthand,” Hashem explained.
“Some memories are designed to trigger consequences and trauma, simulating the long-term consequences of violent actions, such as the grief of the victim’s family or the physical and emotional trauma endured by the victim.
“By rehabilitating offenders more quickly, Cognify could enable them to reintegrate into society sooner and contribute to the workforce.”
Creators hope that the idea could revolutionise the criminal justice system and cut down on crowded prisons, as well as costs for the taxpayer.
Social media users have shared their shock at the technology.
“Another black mirror episode,” one wrote on YouTube.
“This is terrifying matrix s*** lol,” another wrote.
A third added: “Finally some good use of technology.”
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