Federal Regulators Urged to Investigate Elon Musk’s Neuralink for Concealing Animal Deaths

Four members of the US House of Representatives are calling on federal regulators to investigate Elon Musk‘s brain-chip startup, Neuralink, for allegedly concealing the deaths of at least a dozen animals used in its experiments. The lawmakers claim that Musk made false statements in September regarding the deaths of 12 macaque monkeys, who were the subjects of experiments at a primate center in California. They are urging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to determine whether Musk violated securities fraud rules by failing to disclose the fatal outcomes of the animal tests.

The Allegations and Push for Investigation

In September, Musk stated on social media that no animals died as a result of a Neuralink implant and that the company only used monkeys who were close to death already, to minimize risk. However, a WIRED investigation earlier this year raised concerns about the welfare of the animals and the accuracy of Musk’s claims. Veterinary records obtained by WIRED showed that the deaths of several monkeys were directly related to complications from the implant procedure. Former employees also disputed Musk’s statement, stating that the test subjects underwent years of training and were not close to death as he claimed.

The four lawmakers, led by US representative Earl Blumenauer, argue that the animal deaths are material information that could impact the safety and marketability of Neuralink’s brain-computer interface, and therefore investors should be provided with accurate information. They are calling on the SEC to initiate an investigation into whether Musk’s statements violated securities fraud rules.

Musk’s Controversial Track Record

This is not the first time Musk has faced accusations of misleading investors. In 2018, he was charged with securities fraud by the SEC for making false tweets about taking Tesla private. Musk reached a settlement with the SEC, which included stepping down as chairman and paying a fine. The lawmakers reference Musk’s history of misleading investors and the significant investments Neuralink has attracted to argue for an investigation.

Source: US Lawmakers Ask SEC to Launch Fraud Investigation Into Elon Musk