This cautionary tale concerns “nothing living or dying without being monitored” in the next five decades. Is this what we want for our children?

This story does not include professional or health advice. It is for information, inspiration, and awareness purposes.

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Who Wants Their Body on the Internet, especially in the Darknet?

I foresee the next fifty years unfolding in ways vastly distinct from the past half-century, having experienced firsthand the world of five decades ago. Our venture into the Internet of Bodies illuminates both the marvels and trials awaiting us in this digital domain, where every heartbeat resonates with significance.

Our bodies, vessels of consciousness, are at the heart of our existence. Yet, in the Internet of Bodies (IoB) era, this essence is digitized and interconnected with the digital domain, stirring profound discussions among thought leaders, practitioners, and authorities.

As someone deeply entrenched in IoT (Internet of Things) since its inception, I have explored its intricacies and implications, covering safety, security, and privacy concerns through various avenues, including work reports, design patterns, patents, books, research papers, articles, stories, and blog posts.

Since 2016, the concept of IoB has surfaced in the industry, media, and academia, distinguishing itself from the Internet of Behaviors, which, though related, remains less explored in scholarly discourse. This story reflects my 7-year investigation of IoB progress as a researcher and technologist in ethnographic settings.

Optimists envision a future where IoB innovations empower people— brain implants aiding those with disabilities, smart stents monitoring health, and artificial organs managing ailments like diabetes.

Yet, alongside these promises lie concerns voiced by pessimists and neutral observers like me, citing privacy infringements, bodily autonomy risks, and ethical quandaries in wild cyberspace, including the darknet.

Exploring the pros and cons between optimistic and pessimistic thoughts, I am deeply intrigued by IoB’s potential while wary of its pitfalls.

I have closely monitored IoB’s trajectory through extensive research and observation, addressing reader inquiries and exploring its intersection with the Internet of Behavior in the cognitive science discipline.

In this story, I aim to offer a panoramic view, drawing from credible sources to elucidate the nuances of IoB and its impact on technology, health, and economics as a neutral yet realistically optimistic observer.

Currently, IoB data collection largely hinges on external wearables. Yet, the horizon hints at a future where internal organs, even the brain (as hinted by Elon Musk), contribute to this data ecosystem, traversing a landscape defined by evolving Internet communication protocols.

So, I invite you to imagine the Year 2075 for a moment.

When reading the short scenario presented in this article in 2018, “Searching for Privacy on the Internet of Bodies,” a shiver ran down my spine. I will paraphrase the introduction for you.

Transported to the year 2075, where the newest generation is oblivious to life before Artificial Intelligence (AI), I was struck by the chilling reality that personal privacy, as once known by their grandparents, has become an obsolete concept.

In this dystopian future, constant surveillance is the norm, whether by governmental entities, employers, insurance firms, past acquaintances, or anonymous hackers.

The unsettling truth remains: nothing escapes monitoring in a world of personalized surveillance, and the notion of privacy is a relic of the past.

Nothing will live or die without being monitored.

The pressing question arises in 2024 when it is not too late to address the risks, as I will highlight in the next section.

Are we ready to welcome IoB now?

From my perspective, we are far from ready. Given the inherent uncertainties and rapid expansion of the Internet, entrusting our bodily data to its realms could prove to be a reckless endeavor.

As an optimist, Ghislaine Boddington draws a beautiful picture of IoB in a Ted Talk. Society for Arts and Technology granted her the IX Immersion Experience Visionary Pioneer Award for her long-term innovative work in digital arts. She is passionate about embodied intelligence.

I wish the world were as safe and reliable as Ghislaine imagined in this talk. The current situation is entirely unregulated. Therefore, this lack of regulation poses severe risks for extremely sensitive data.

Moreover, it is not only a risk at an individual level but also at the national level. For example, in 2018, we read that US soldiers revealed sensitive and dangerous information by jogging.

Biotechnology has made remarkable improvements in healthcare and genetics areas. Some healthcare devices are safely used by medical professionals using secure channels for patients.

However, using these devices on the Internet is not as easy as we use them offline. Besides, all technology devices, including artificial intelligence ones, are prone to human errors even if we build them well.

While the concept of digital pills notifying healthcare providers of medication adherence or digital diapers alerting parents to their infants’ needs holds promise in a safer digital ecosystem, the current state of the Internet falls short of safeguarding such sensitive information.

As a technology consultant for large health and fitness organizations, my clients keep asking me, “Are we ready for the Internet of Bodies? When can we initiate project XYZ?”

When I reveal the truth that any device, even those nestled within the human body, is vulnerable to hacking, their expressions shift from anticipation to profound disappointment.

It is not pessimism. I have an optimistic outlook on life. Highlighting the need for careful consideration, I emphasize the profound privacy, security, and safety implications of devices integrated into our daily lives, considering the evolving cybersecurity challenges and growing cybercrime.

However, amidst these concerns, there appears to be a light on the transformative impact of technologies capable of intimately understanding us, both internally and externally, inside and out, when the system is ethically and carefully designed. I want to give you a quick overview of the growing body of knowledge for IoB.

Brief Insights from the Growing Literature

In this section, I offer an overview of the perspectives found in the expanding literature. Given the abundance of citations, I have opted not to inundate this story with excessive research links. However, interested readers can explore the literature further through the provided links available in my blog post.

The Internet of Bodies (IoB) is an imminent extension of the Internet of Things (IoT). In this domain, interconnected devices form a network, including those worn, implanted, or embedded in and around the human body. As highlighted by an IEEE paper, IoB holds vast potential across diverse sectors such as medicine, safety, security, wellness, and entertainment.

Recent literature emphasizes the transformative impact of IoB on our physical and virtual worlds. Through IoB, our identities evolve into hyper-enhanced, multi-sensory experiences, collaborations become immersive and interconnected, and innovations nurture inclusivity and diversity. IoB essentially positions human bodies as interfaces, seamlessly integrating with the digital realm.

However, an exceptional IEEE paper highlights that transitioning to innovative IoB solutions poses challenges. Manual data aggregation from numerous personal devices remains a hurdle, necessitating the development of frameworks like the Human Data Model for seamless integration and proactive computer-human interactions.

Considering the growing cybersecurity incidents globally, ethical and legal considerations loom large in the IoB landscape. The convergence of bits and bodies raises complex ethical questions with implications for human safety and technological progress.

The Internet of Bodies demands a delicate balance between innovation and ethical standards, requiring regulatory frameworks to adapt to this evolving paradigm.

Privacy and security emerge as paramount concerns in IoB deployment. Integrating human bodies into interconnected networks introduces unprecedented vulnerabilities, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures and regulatory dialogue to safeguard human value and privacy rights.

From a legal perspective, the jurisdictional delineation of IoB devices remains ambiguous, as IoB devices often fall outside the purview of traditional regulatory bodies like the US FDA. This regulatory gap highlights the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to address IoB technologies' unique challenges.

IoB holds immense potential to revolutionize public health and safety infrastructure, particularly highlighted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, realizing the full benefits of IoB hinges on addressing associated risks and challenges, including privacy, security, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Some people have less concern than others. For example, as mentioned in this 2020 survey, about four in ten Americans approve of using fitness tracker data for heart disease research. Let’s keep in mind that about one in five Americans use a smartwatch or fitness tracker.

In envisioning the future of IoB, researchers speculate on transformative applications, from smart pills to smart clothing, revolutionizing healthcare and lifestyle management. IoB’s evolution prompts introspection on the evolving relationship between humans and technology, epitomized by voluntary cyborgs like Tamara Banbury.

As technology advances, IoB represents a paradigm shift in digitizing the human body, blurring the lines between humanity and technology. While IoB holds promise for enhancing human experiences, it also necessitates critical reflection on this transformative technology's ethical, legal, and societal implications.

IoB emerges as a dynamic and multifaceted field with far-reaching implications for individuals, societies, and the future of technology. As we navigate this evolving landscape, we must cultivate interdisciplinary dialogue, ethical stewardship, and regulatory frameworks prioritizing human well-being and dignity.

Conclusions

The question at hand is whether we are genuinely prepared to embrace the Internet of Bodies (IoB). From where I stand, we are far from ready. Given the rapid and unpredictable nature of internet growth, entrusting our body’s information to the digital realm seems unwise.

Sure, the idea of digital pills notifying doctors when we have taken our medication or digital diapers alerting parents to their baby’s needs sounds promising. However, our current internet infrastructure cannot handle such sensitive data.

Before fully embracing IoB, we need robust clinical studies conducted in real-world settings, clear standards outlined by regulatory bodies, and stringent ethical guidelines and regulations in place. These measures won’t eliminate all risks but will help us manage and mitigate them as we continue to learn.

Risks are what remain after we’ve conducted a thorough analysis and prepared ourselves for the unexpected. Without this careful consideration, we won’t be able to effectively mitigate risks, and our efforts as a society may very well falter. Only through proactive assessment and readiness can we navigate challenges and safeguard our collective well-being.

Without these foundational safeguards, diving into IoB feels like plunging into an ocean without knowing how to swim. We must proceed with caution, ensuring that our advancements in technology prioritize privacy, security, and ethical considerations above all else.

Takeaways

I want to offer insights into the multifaceted nature of IoB and the considerations involved in its adoption and regulation. As we start this journey, we must keep an open mind and a critical eye, ensuring that we harness the power of technology for the greater good.

1 — Awareness of Emerging Technologies: We can explore fascinating emerging technologies, particularly the Internet of Bodies (IoB), which promises to revolutionize how we interact with technology on a small scale.

2 — Ethical Considerations: As we explore the potential of IoB, it’s crucial to consider the ethical implications of integrating technology into our bodies. We must tread carefully and thoughtfully to navigate this new frontier.

3 — Regulatory Frameworks: Developing robust regulatory frameworks is imperative to ensure the safe and responsible implementation of IoB devices. We need guidelines that prioritize user safety and privacy.

4 — Privacy Concerns: One of the most pressing issues surrounding IoB is the potential for privacy breaches. We must prioritize protecting sensitive personal data as we welcome these innovative technologies.

5 — Collaborative Efforts: Addressing the complexities of IoB requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and technology developers. Together, we can navigate this new landscape better.

6 — Risk Mitigation Strategies: Developing effective risk mitigation strategies is paramount as we embrace IoB technology. Identifying and addressing potential risks early on can ensure a safer and more secure future.

7 — Public Awareness and Education: Educating the public about IoB is essential, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their involvement with this technology. Knowledge is vital in navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.

8 — Continued Monitoring and Research: As IoB technology evolves, we must remain vigilant and continue to monitor its impact on society. Ongoing research and analysis will help us understand the long-term implications and potential benefits of IoB.

9 — Keeping Potential Benefits in Mind: Despite the challenges, IoB offers potential benefits, from enhanced healthcare monitoring to more personalized lifestyle management solutions. It’s an exciting frontier with boundless possibilities.

10 — Understanding the Value of Technological Innovation: IoB represents a significant leap forward in technological innovation, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible in human-machine integration. It shows our ingenuity and creativity to continue our civilization and enjoy our lives in the future.

I believe the next fifty years will be very different as I know what it was like 50 years ago. Our journey into the Internet of Bodies accentuates the marvels and challenges ahead in this digital world where every pulse counts.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

Related Article: Revolutionary Shifts: 10 Game-Changing Technologies Shaping the World from 2030 Onward

If you found this story helpful, you may also check out my other articles on NewsBreak. As a postdoctoral researcher and executive consultant, I write about important life lessons based on my decades of research and experience in cognitive, metabolic, and mental health.