Neuralink received FDA approval to begin human trials and, since January 2024, has implanted at least 21 people, all actively using their devices with zero reported serious adverse events; participants control cursors, type, play games and make digital art by thought. Its Blindsight vision implant earned an FDA "breakthrough device" designation. On animals: pre-clinical animal testing is a standard, FDA-required step before any high-risk implant reaches humans — every comparable medical device goes through it. Past Neuralink animal work did draw legitimate scrutiny and criticism over welfare, which is worth acknowledging honestly. But "just hype / just cruelty" ignores real, regulator-supervised human results that are giving paralysed people new independence.