Microsoft wants to 'read people's brain waves' to mine cryptocurrency
Patent describes system that rewards users with digital currency every time they view an advertisement or use a certain internet service
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Your support makes all the difference.Microsoft has proposed a method to generate cryptocurrency by monitoring people's brain activity and other personal biometric data.
A new patent titled "Cryptocurrency System Using Body Activity Data" describes how a person could attach various sensors to their body to earn cryptocurrency through a process known as mining.
Mining cryptocurrencies like bitcoin typically involves devoting vast amounts of computer processing power to solve complex mathematical problems.
Microsoft's patent sets out an alternative option for mining cryptocurrency by instead doing it through a "human body activity associated with a task" and monitoring the outcome with biometric sensors.
"For example, a brain wave or body heat emitted from the user when the user performs the task provided by an information service provider, such as viewing an advertisement or using certain internet services, can be used in the mining process," the patent explains.
"Instead of massive computation work required by some conventional cryptocurrency systems, data generated based on the body activity of the user can be proof-of-work, and therefore, a user can solve the computationally difficult problem unconsciously."
The mining system would involve hooking up a device to various sensors on the body that detect the activity required of the user to generate the cryptocurrency.
Possible sensors used to track the activity include MRI scanners, heat cameras, and heart rate and infrared sensors.
Beyond brain waves and body heat, other activities that could be monitored include "body fluid flow" and "organ activity and movement".
The patent lists 28 different concepts for the way the system could be used to mine cryptocurrency, including tasks like browsing social media, engaging with an artificial intelligence chat bot or visiting a website.
It does not specify which cryptocurrency the system would work with, though it could use an entirely new digital payments network based on a blockchain developed especially for it.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent about whether it plans to develop the technology.
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