NoLieDetection and Cephos are ready to offer their lie detection services based on functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). According to the Cephos website the idea works as follow :

Lying is shown to activate specific, discrete parts of the brain. We can use these regions to determine if a person is lying with a high degree of accuracy. No activation is seen when telling the truth.
Standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is used to detect brain activations. This technique is referred to as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Cephos claims a 90 % accuracy in clinical testing context. Now, I saw concerns all over the Net about this new technology . A commentator says ‘The potential repercussions for privacy rights are devastating. In years to come governments as well as corporations will possess the tools to examine an individual’s brain waves and attempt to determine if they’re lying.’

A personally I have no opinion on this for now, the implication of fMRI lies detection was discussed in a ACLU Forum (American Civil Liberties Union), check out their web site for details.

Technorati Tags: Resonance Imaging, fMRI, Cephos, ACLU Forum, American Civil Liberties Union

A list of related entries:

fMRI lie detection system

A better buyer

Bye-Bye Privacy

Around The Web – 14 October 2007

Why good people do bad things ?

Highest excitement vs. perfectionism

Neurofinance – fMRI for stock trading and investing

What most people fear most is something new