Viral Tesla Pi Phone Deepfake Sparks Real Fears Over Mind Control Implants

In November 2025, an AI-generated video featuring a deepfake of Elon Musk went viral, claiming the release of a £621 ($789) Tesla Pi Phone equipped with a Neuralink “mind control” feature. This video garnered millions of views across TikTok, WhatsApp, and X, prompting a spike in Google searches related to Tesla and Neuralink.

While the video appeared convincing, fact-checkers confirmed it was entirely fabricated, citing mismatches in lip synchronization, lighting issues, and the absence of any official announcements from Tesla or Neuralink. Musk has previously dismissed rumors about smartphone development, stating the idea “makes me want to die.”

Nevertheless, Neuralink’s actual human trials, which began in 2025, are allowing paralyzed patients to manipulate robotic arms and cursors using only their thoughts, highlighting a significant advancement in brain-computer interface technology. The success of these trials coincides with growing public interest in technologies that blend human cognition and machine interaction.

Why it matters:

• Understanding the distinction between real technological advancements and misinformation can prevent consumer exploitation and confusion.
• The incident underscores the importance of critical evaluation of digital content as AI-generated media becomes more prevalent, impacting trust in information.

The latest:

• Neuralink implanted its twelfth patient, Nick Wray, in November 2025, marking a step forward in potential applications for brain-computer interfaces.