Ep 2. Upgrade

Dark Net is a documentary series that explores the perils and opportunities of the dark Net and takes a closer look at the crimes and secrets that happen on this unregulated section of the internet. Season 1 Episode 2 is titled Upgrade and takes a look at how technology and the dark Net is changing our reality.

The episode begins with a man named David traumatically losing several of his limbs in a car accident. David is shown to be traumatized and struggling with depression and feelings of hopelessness until he comes across a technology known as "Brain-Computer Interface" (BCI). BCI is a technology that uses electrical sensors attached to the head to translate brainwaves into electrical signals that can be read by a computer, enabling direct communication between the brain and the computer. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the world of prosthetic limbs.

David is one of several individuals who have elected to receive BCI implants, and his life is transformed. David is shown being able to control his prosthetic limb with his mind and perform tasks that he thought were impossible before. The experience inspires him to create his own company, called Open Bionics, which is dedicated to creating affordable and functional prosthetic limbs using BCI technology.

However, with this new technology comes new risks. The episode takes a closer look into the world of BCI hacking, where individuals can gain the ability to control other people's bodies. This is done by intercepting the signals sent between a person’s brain and their prosthetic limb, which can allow the hacker to take control of the limb. The episode shows that this is no longer just science-fiction, as these types of attacks are already being carried out by black market hackers on the dark Net.

The episode then turns to explore the world of biohacking, with a focus on a man named Hannes Sjoblad. Hannes is a self-proclaimed biohacker who has implanted near-field communication chips (NFC) in his body, which allow him to do things like store data, open his front door, or even pay for goods without ever needing to carry anything. Hannes is shown receiving a subdermal NFC implant from a fellow biohacker and explains how this technology has transformed his life.

However, not everyone is eager to adopt this new technology. The episode features interviews with several individuals, including a privacy expert named Katharine Jarmul, who express concern about the potential risks associated with implanting technology in our bodies. Katharine notes the potential for the tracking of individuals and their movements, and even speculates that we could see a future where insurance companies deny coverage to individuals if they refuse to get a certain type of implant.

The episode then closes with one final feature about a woman named Angela Smith who has taken her obsession with animal-like attributes to the next level by getting body-modifications to resemble a cat. The episode shows how her transformation has been both a liberation and a show of submission.

Overall, the second episode of Dark Net Season 1 - Upgrade, provides a thoughtful and informative exploration of the intersection of technology and the human body. The episode highlights the potential benefits of advanced technology and the innovative ways in which individuals are embracing it - However, it also shows the potential risks associated with such significant technological advancements, and the dangers that lurk over the dark Net.