What is the proposal of inserting false memories with AI into criminals to rehabilitate them and what are the potential risks?

Germany-based molecular biologist and science communicator, Hashem Al-Ghaili presented a proposal to ensure the rehabilitation and reintegration of those who committed crimes .

This is Cognify or “the prison of the future” name he gave to his project.

As promised, this model will allow prisoners to be treated “like patients” and this “Instead of spending years in a real cell, they can finish their sentence in a few minutes.” .

This, after having been submitted to a system that inserts artificial memories into your brain, with the support technological of the artificial intelligence (IA).

This would make them experience your own crime, but from the victim’s perspective .

Although this is a forward-looking proposal, the molecular biologist says that is convinced that “this could offer a new approach to criminal rehabilitation by transforming the way society treats criminals.

In his words, Cognify seeks to ‘focus on rehabilitation, not punishment’ .

A representative video he shared on his social networks shows What would the “prison of the future” look like? .

The images depict a series of capsules with people inside, who are carrying a device similar to a virtual reality headset, which surrounds your head and covers your eyes and ears .

Such factors would contribute to make these artificial memories seem real .

In his proposal, Hashem Al-Ghaili proposes that, before engaging in the process, prisoners themselves can choose between “spending years in prison or seeking rapid rehabilitation through the implantation of an artificial memory.”

As expected, his idea has generated multiple opinions, while Doubts have been raised about the feasibility of applying this method and the potential risks it entails. .

And of course, its ethical and social implications .

The professor at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Development (UDD) and specialist in the field of psychology of testimony, Ana María Salinas, shared his thoughts on the Cognify project in conversation with La Tercera.

As he explains before addressing the case of Cognify itself, Scientific discoveries “have managed to prove that memory is ultimately a recording system, very susceptible to being modified or to introducing information that does not correspond to reality.” .

“In this direction, False memories are part of our daily lives . Probably, many of the most deeply rooted memories you or I have from our childhood do not correspond to reality (…) In this sense, false memories are already part of everyone’s functioning.

Salinas says research has shown that “Often we introduce false memories into our recording system, without realizing that this is the case” .

“This happens due to various factors that contribute to it. This causes changes in our emotions and behavior. “.

“From this we can say that What (Hachem Al-Ghaili) suggests is indeed feasible: introducing false memories on an accused, a victim or any person, thinking of their benefit. And probably, as has been proven in other research, when false memories operate, it leads to changes in behavior and emotions,” summarized the expert in psychology of testimony.

As mentioned above, the Cognify project focuses on the future and not the present. However, one of the first questions that arise when thinking about this idea is What could be the side effects that these people could possibly face? .

For example, Is there a possibility that – if this proposal is implemented – trauma will be generated in those who undergo the procedure? what will be the consequences?

Salinas first emphasizes that These types of projects must be evaluated with the support of the scientific community and validated research. .

“We must always think that Anything that is done must be in the best interest of the person participating. If the false memories are related to the introduction of trauma, this could clearly have consequences linked to a correlate or change in behavior consistent with that trauma.

“So we would have to see if we think that this trauma can help not to commit crimes… ok, it may be a consequence thinking of the self-benefit of the person who participates, so that they do not get into trouble with the law, but: what would be the impact of other changes in behavior or emotions that you might feel because of an experience of trauma in your life that you had not experienced before? A traumatic experience can lead not only to emotional and behavioral consequences, but also to cognitive and medical consequences. “.

In the context of this analysis, the specialist specifies that “The scope is difficult to project or measure, because it also depends on the individual characteristics of the subject who would participate. in this type of study or practice.

In addition to this last factor, he asks: “If we live this experience that is integrated into our life, will we have the perception of a support network in our family or friends? Will we receive professional attention based on the needs that arise? “.

“It also depends on elements of the system and the context. How are we going to be treated by others after this? Would we be victims of some form of stigma? That is to say, There are many implications that border on ethics and that I think are relevant to take into account. “, Salinas emphasizes.

“We have seen that it is possible to have false memories and that they are present in our lives much more frequently than we think, but it is different to accept that someone other than me, a professional, can introduce them for other purposes. I believe that The application of such a practice should be a collegial decision involving the scientific community and different professionals capable of resolving ethical dilemmas and any tensions that may arise. “, said the UDD specialist.