Epstein Files Reveal Talks on Technology to Erase Human Memory

Entertainment|19/2/2026
Epstein Files Reveal Talks on Technology to Erase Human Memory
Epstein
Listen to this story:
0:00

Note: AI technology was used to generate this article's audio.

  • Epstein discussed short-term memory erasing device with former MIT official
  • Ito-Epstein relationship under scrutiny following email leak

A new leak from the Epstein Files revealed an email in which the disgraced financier discussed a technology allegedly capable of erasing short-term memory.

The latest files, comprising more than three million pages, cover a range of controversial topics.

In one correspondence with former MIT official Joichi Ito, Epstein mentioned a device that could erase short-term memory, despite there being no recent media reports on such technology.

Ito, who resigned from MIT in 2019 after the university’s financial ties to Epstein were exposed, had sent an email in February 2014 asking: "You told me about the technology you tried to erase short-term memory. Has the work been published? In which lab is it conducted?"

Epstein replied: "There are many studies. The device is transcranial magnetic stimulation, and much research has been done on using it for trauma-related memory loss."

Ito responded jokingly: "I'm on a New York Times Audit Committee call ;-) Thanks for this, now I’ll have something fun to Google..."

The Japanese entrepreneur had faced criticism after it emerged he received a $525,000 donation from Epstein, along with $1.2 million for his personal investment funds, despite the financier being barred from the university.

Today, more than six years later, Ito’s connection to Epstein is under renewed scrutiny, with questions about how and why the billionaire had access to such technology over a decade ago.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is sometimes used today to treat depression by stimulating nerve cells in the brain with magnetic fields. Reports from Cleveland Clinic suggest traditional use of TMS does not cause memory loss, but it appears Epstein may have used it differently, and experts say the reason he wanted to erase short-term memory is unfortunately clear.

The files include more than 300 well-known figures, with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor among the most frequently mentioned.

It’s important to note that appearing in the Epstein Files does not imply involvement in any wrongdoing, but some may still have questions about the existence of technology capable of erasing memory.