A talk by Nita Farahany

We’re in an era where the lines between technology and the human mind are increasingly blurred. Imagine a world where your thoughts, feelings, and unspoken words become an open book, where doctors can catch disorders long before symptoms start to develop—or your boss can monitor your thoughts at work.

This intriguing premise sets the stage for Nita Farahany’s exploration of the transformative potential of brain-sensing technology and artificial intelligence. In her talk, she offers a profound glimpse into the near future, demystifying the complex advancements in AI and neurotechnology and making them accessible. A leading voice on the ethics of emerging technologies, Nita unveils the potential that these new tools have to delve into the deepest realms of human consciousness. The implications are vast and varied, ranging from revolutionizing healthcare with groundbreaking diagnostic and treatment methods, to enhancing cognitive abilities, and fundamentally altering our interaction with the digital world. She balances this optimism with a thoughtful examination of potential risks—concerns that extend beyond the hypothetical. From mental surveillance and thought manipulation to the emerging threat of cognitive warfare, Nita describes how our minds are the new battleground.

Far from a speculative glimpse into the future, this talk serves as a compelling call to action. Nita encourages the audience to take an active role in shaping a future where technological advancements are not just unrestrained progressions, but are steered towards augmenting our personal freedoms and dignity.

Nita Farahany is the Robinson O. Everett Distinguished Professor of Law & Philosophy and Founding Director of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society. She is a widely published scholar on the ethics of emerging technologies, including the book The Battle for Your Brain: Defending Your Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology. She spearheads research on futurism, law, and ethical implications of emerging technologies for society—offering a roadmap for cognitive freedom in our increasingly interconnected world.

Nita Farahany was appointed by President Obama to the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues, where she served for seven years. She currently serves on the National Advisory Council for the National Institute for Neurological Disease and Stroke, as an elected member of the American Law Institute and on the Global Future Council on Frontier Risks for the World Economic Forum, among others. Nita is a co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Law and the Biosciences and is on the Board of Advisors for Scientific American. As an ethics consultant, her expertise is sought by corporations and governments worldwide. Her contributions have been recognized through election to prestigious bodies including the American Law Institute, the Uniform Laws Commission, and the AAAS.
 

This talk is being organized as part of the AI and Human Values initiative and is the keynote address for the Symposium on AI and Privacy taking place on campus throughout the day on April 16, 2026.