Bill Gates Dreams Of Monitoring Your Brain Activity

Beyond Bitcoin's Energy Drain

A Deep Dive into "Proof of Body Activity" and Eco-Friendly Crypto

The world of cryptocurrency is often associated with massive energy consumption. But what if your own biological activity could help mint digital currency? A fascinating patent from Microsoft outlines exactly that.

The Patent: WO 2020/060606

Filed by Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC, this international patent application is titled "Cryptocurrency System Using Body Activity Data." It proposes a shift away from "Proof of Work" (the energy-intensive process used by Bitcoin) toward a system where human interaction validates the blockchain.

How "Proof of Body Activity" Works

Instead of a computer solving a math puzzle, the system verifies that a human performed a specific task by monitoring their physical response:

  • The Task: A user is assigned a task, such as watching an advertisement, focused learning, or using a specific internet service.
  • The Sensors: External devices like smartwatches, smartphones, or EEG bands monitor the user.
  • The Data: The system collects biometric data including brain waves (EEG), body heat, blood flow, and heart rate.
  • The Reward: If the data proves the user was engaged and completed the task, the network rewards them with cryptocurrency.
Debunking the Myths: This patent does not mention injectable microchips. It describes "communicatively coupled" sensors, which are standard wearable technology like a Fitbit or Apple Watch.

Comparing Low-Energy Consensus Mechanisms

Microsoft’s patent is just one way to solve the energy crisis in crypto. There are several other "Consensus Mechanisms" (the rules a network uses to agree on transactions) that are already in use or being developed:

1. Proof of Stake (PoS)

Used by Ethereum, this is the most common green alternative. Instead of miners using electricity, "validators" lock up (stake) their coins as collateral. This reduced Ethereum’s energy usage by over 99%.

2. Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS)

Users vote for a small group of "delegates" to secure the network. It’s incredibly fast and efficient but more centralized. Examples include EOS and TRON.

3. Proof of Authority (PoA)

Transactions are validated by pre-approved, trusted entities. This is highly efficient and used in private business blockchains where the "miners" are known and vetted.

Technical Comparison Table

Mechanism Logic Energy Use Scalability
Proof of Work Computational Power Very High Low
Proof of Stake Financial Collateral Low Moderate
Body Activity Biometric Data Minimal High

The Future: A Greener Blockchain

Whether we end up mining crypto through our smartwatches or by staking digital assets, the goal is clear: the crypto industry is moving away from energy-hungry server farms. The 60606 patent highlights a future where human presence and engagement are the ultimate value, rather than just raw machine output.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Comments

  1. DFWSASFebruary 17, 2026 at 10:52 AM

    Patent WO 2020/060606 is an international patent application filed by Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC (originally filed in June 2019 and published in March 2020). Its official title is "Cryptocurrency System Using Body Activity Data."
    The concept gained significant internet notoriety due to its publication number (which includes "060606") and its proximity to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to various theories about its purpose.
    What the Patent Actually Describes
    The patent outlines a method for mining cryptocurrency using data generated by human biological activity rather than the massive raw computing power (Proof of Work) used by systems like Bitcoin.
    * The Mechanism: A user is assigned a task (such as watching an advertisement or using a specific internet service).
    * The Sensors: A sensor (which could be in a smartphone, a wearable like a smartwatch, or a dedicated device) monitors the user’s physical response to that task.
    * The Data: The system tracks metrics such as:
    * Brain waves (EEG)
    * Body heat
    * Blood flow
    * Heart rate
    * The Reward: If the body activity data meets certain conditions set by the system, it proves the user performed the task, and the user is awarded cryptocurrency.
    Common Misconceptions
    * Injectable Chips: The patent does not mention injectable microchips. It describes sensors that are "communicatively coupled" to a device, which generally refers to external wearables (like a Fitbit or Apple Watch) or the sensors already built into smartphones.
    * Bill Gates: While Microsoft filed the patent, Bill Gates had already stepped down from the company's board by the time it gained public attention. He is not listed as an inventor on the filing.
    * Status: As of early 2026, this technology has not been widely implemented in any consumer-facing Microsoft product. Many companies file "defensive" or experimental patents for concepts that never reach the production stage.
    Technical Highlights
    | Feature | Description |
    |---|---|
    | Publication Number | WO/2020/060606 |
    | Applicant | Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC |
    | Key Goal | To reduce the energy consumption of crypto mining by using human activity as "Proof of Work." |
    | Potential Sensors | fMRI, EEG, heart rate monitors, thermal sensors, and cameras. |

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