Brain implants already enable people with paraplegia to control robotic limbs, restore basic vision and modulate neural activity to treat diseases like Parkinson's. Over the next decade our growing ability to both read and write brain data will transform the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions, but it will also increasingly be used to enhance cognitive function in healthy people.
This could greatly expand our ability to learn and improve ourselves. But the creation of two-way conduits into people's minds and huge pools of sensitive brain data also raise profound questions about privacy, personal agency, and the integrity of the individual. This might necessitate the establishment of a new bill of neuro rights to ensure that new technology is used properly, and its benefits are available to all.
- What are the implications for society of the development of technology in brain science?
- How can we ensure wide access to neurotechnology and prevent the formation of “cognitive elites”?
- Do we need new neuro rights or a reinterpretation of existing human rights?
Takeaway messages
“Over the last two decades, the driving factors in neuroscience and neurotechnology have been the engineering sciences, computer science and AI that enabled new ways to read brain signals.
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“Four levels of governance could be applied towards neurotechnology: self-regulation; ethical guidelines and so-called soft law; binding national regulations; and international human rights law.
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“Because of the complexity of the ethical challenges, a one-size-fits-all approach to governance will likely not be effective; a multilateral governance framework will probably offer the best solution.
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““Neuro rights” are the moral and legal rights to protect the human brain. Given the novelties of neurotechnologies, emerging governance frameworks are subject to the same novelties, making it a rapidly and dynamically evolving scenario.
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“It is clear that the involvement of scientists and policymakers is not enough; the voices of citizens also need to be heard because of the profound implications.
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More information
- Session recording on YouTube
- Related interviews: Nadia Isler, Olaf Blanke, Marcello Ienca
- Tweets related to the session
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