WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Elon Musk’s brain-implant company Neuralink was fined for violating U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules regarding the movement of hazardous materials, according to records from the federal agency reviewed by Reuters.

During inspections of the company’s facilities in Texas and California in February 2023, DOT investigators found the company had failed to register itself as a transporter of hazardous material, the agency’s records show.

They also found improper packaging of hazardous waste, including the flammable liquid Xylene. Xylene can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of muscle coordination and even death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DOT fined the company a total of $2,480, an amount lower than what was initially assessed because the company agreed to fix the problems, the records show.

  • @ickplant
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    5910 months ago

    They fined them $2,480? What is this, a fine for ants?

    • @[email protected]
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      910 months ago

      At that price point the company might as well just agree to pay it on the regular and go about its business as usual.

    • Introversion
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      610 months ago

      I know, right? Coulda been $420, or $42069. It’s like they’re not even trying!

    • @Fades
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      310 months ago

      That’s how regulation in the US works. Just look at how FINRA punishes the elite in the finance sector; fines (rare) that are a minuscule percentage of the profit made.

      Simply the cost of doin biz, and it’s both disgusting and harmful to our nation but this is an oligarchy first and foremost sadly

    • @ArtVandelay
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      210 months ago

      It’s one fine Michael, what could it cost - $10?