The data was collected through FocusCalm headsets, produced by BrainCo, which monitor brainwave activity to help athletes improve focus and control over their bodies. In addition to Świątek, the devices have been used by other athletes such as Jannik Sinner, the Italian tennis player.
Reports suggest that Chinese entities accessed the information, raising concerns that it could be exploited not only to enhance athletic performance but also for military training. An expert cited by AS warned that understanding how athletes’ brains function could inform the preparation of future soldiers.
Brainwave headband data used in military-linked study raises concerns for tennis stars
BrainCo, reportedly backed by Chinese government funding, says that data collected by the headsets is deleted after 20 minutes. However, Dr Riccardo Ceccarelli, who introduced the devices, initially stated that the data was stored in the cloud. While designed for sports performance, the headsets’ capabilities have highlighted potential dual-use applications, including in military technology.
The X channel Pablo Torre Finds Out reported that a six-month investigation by the American news outlet Hunterbrook and PTFO found that BrainCo, a Harvard startup and parent company of FocusCalm, received funding from Chinese government entities for nearly a decade before relocating to China and partnering with robotics companies to develop technology for military training.
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Source: Sport/PR24/AS/X/@pablofindsout