Microsoft Patent Describes Tracking Brain Activity to Mine Cryptocurrency

A new patent application by Microsoft details a way to use bodily functions, such as brain activity, to mine cryptocurrency.

The application, entitled “Cryptocurrency System Using Body Activity Data” explains how 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.”

By tracking brainwaves when someone watches an advert, Microsoft hopes to use the data generated as a “proof-of-work.” This is the validation of a transaction, or the completion of a task, in a blockchain system, and the way in which creation of currency is validated in a cryptocurrency model.

“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…