Elon Musk’s brain-chip venture Neuralink is once again under the microscope as the SEC reopens its investigation into the company. Musk announced the news on Dec. 12 by posting a letter from his lawyer Alex Spiro to X, formerly Twitter, calling the SEC’s actions an attempt to intimidate him.
The SEC has reportedly demanded a financial settlement within 48 hours, threatening further legal action if Musk refuses to comply. While the amount was not disclosed, Spiro emphasized that Musk intends to defend himself and his company against the charges.
This investigation follows calls from lawmakers last year to examine whether Musk misled investors about Neuralink’s brain-implant technology. The company’s ambitious efforts to merge human cognition with artificial intelligence have faced growing concerns over their safety and feasibility.
Musk’s growing political influence complicates the situation. After donating over $250 million to President Donald Trump’s campaign, Musk has become a key figure in Trump’s administration, joining a task force tasked with overhauling federal regulations. Many speculate that Musk’s ventures could see reduced oversight during Trump’s term.
Neither the SEC nor Neuralink has released official statements regarding the revived probe. Musk’s battles with regulators have been frequent, including a high-profile settlement over Tesla privatization claims and recent legal victories related to his acquisition of X.
The SEC’s renewed focus on Neuralink raises critical questions about the balance of power between Musk’s business empire and federal oversight. The case could prove to be a pivotal test of Musk’s resilience in navigating legal and regulatory challenges.
