Project MKUltra – sometimes referred to as the
CIA's mind control program – is the code name given to a program of experiments on human subjects, at times illegal, designed and undertaken by the United States
Central Intelligence Agency.
[1] Experiments on humans were intended to identify and develop drugs and procedures to be used in interrogations and torture, in order to weaken the individual to force confessions through
mind control. Organized through the
Scientific Intelligence Division of the CIA, the project coordinated with the
Special Operations Division of the U.S. Army's
Chemical Corps.
[2]
The operation began in the early 1950s, was officially sanctioned in 1953, was reduced in scope in 1964, further curtailed in 1967, and officially halted in 1973.
[3] The program engaged in many illegal activities,
[4][5][6]including the use of unwitting U.S. and Canadian citizens as its test subjects, which led to controversy regarding its legitimacy.
[4](p74)
[7][8][9] MKUltra used numerous methodologies to manipulate people's mental states and alter brain functions, including the surreptitious administration of drugs (especially LSD) and other chemicals, hypnosis,[10] sensory deprivation, isolation, verbal and sexual abuse, as well as other forms of psychological torture.[11][12]
The scope of Project MKUltra was broad, with research undertaken at 80 institutions, including 44 colleges and universities, as well as hospitals, prisons, and pharmaceutical companies.[13] The CIA operated through these institutions using front organizations, although sometimes top officials at these institutions were aware of the CIA's involvement.
