🧠 A heated debate has erupted in China over so-called BrainCo “smart headbands,” designed to track students’ concentration levels using artificial intelligence and neurotechnology.
The local education bureau in Zhejiang Province announced the suspension of the devices after online criticism surged. The controversy began after photos and videos from a primary school in Jinhua showed students sitting at their desks wearing identical headbands.
Images from the school quickly spread on social media. Users accused the developers and authorities of violating children’s privacy rights and questioned whether the technology actually improves learning efficiency.
How it works
BrainCo Focus AI headbands use electroencephalography (EEG) sensors to measure brain signals. AI algorithms process the data and determine the student’s concentration level in real time.
If the student is focused, a red indicator lights up on the headband; if distracted, it turns blue. The developers intended this system to help maintain attention and enhance the learning process.
“Students use BrainCo headbands in class” (screenshot from The Wall Street Journal video).
Response from authorities and the company
The news quickly went viral. Many parents and internet users expressed concerns that the technology violates children’s rights and could lead to data leaks. Others doubted the device’s real effectiveness and noted the potential psychological pressure on students.
On October 31, 2025, the local education bureau announced that the devices’ use was suspended and instructed schools to conduct self-inspections to prevent potential data leaks.
On the same day, BrainCo issued a statement on Weibo, emphasizing that the headband is intended for concentration training through neurofeedback, not for personal monitoring.
“The headbands were designed not for control, but to assist learning via neurofeedback. This method has a scientific basis and is widely used worldwide. BrainCo products are utilized in over 15 countries, including prestigious U.S. schools such as Catholic Memorial School, Yale Summer School, Cambridge School of Weston, and others.”
Price and technology.
“On the largest e-commerce platform JD.com, these headbands are priced between 3,499 and 4,299 yuan” (screenshot from JD.com).
Public skepticism and expert opinion
Despite the company’s statements, most users reacted negatively. According to an Economic Daily survey, 88% of over 3,000 respondents considered such practice unnecessary or even unacceptable.
“I doubt the effectiveness of these headbands. It’s good that the experiment was suspended,” wrote one Weibo commenter.
Educational experts also warned that the technology could create “performative behavior” in children rather than genuine focus, and that the learning process might rely more on machines than teachers.
📌 Context
The headbands were donated to the school by one of BrainCo’s investors. However, amid public criticism, authorities decided to halt the project and promised to check the safety of the collected data.
You can watch a video demonstrating how this invention works on our Telegram channel.
All content provided on this website (https://wildinwest.com/) -including attachments, links, or referenced materials — is for informative and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Third-party materials remain the property of their respective owners.