What are Neurorights?
Neurorights can be characterized as a new international legal framework for human rights specifically aimed at protecting the brain and its activity as neurotechnology advances.
What is Neurotechnology?
Neurotechnology is any technology that offers enhanced understanding of brain or nervous system function, as well as to enable researchers and clinicians to visualize the brain. You may have heard of Elon Musk’s announcement of a brain-machine interface and the brain scanner that Stephen Hawking used to speak but numerous other devices are currently in operation. Neurotechnology devices assist in alleviating pain, offer physicians valuable information regarding brain activity, and stimulate the brain as a treatment for Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have employed neurotechnology, including MRIs, to uncover information that was previously inaccessible, such as identifying the specific image an individual is observing from a database of 100,000 pictures, or predicting the decisions individuals will make 11 seconds prior to their conscious awareness of those decisions. Neurotechnology produces distinct neurodata obtained from an individual's brain, spinal cord, or nervous system by measuring brain waves, electrical nerve impulses, and the specific regions of the brain activated during particular actions or thoughts. It can create a “brain fingerprint” - The utilization of EEG to measure brainwaves offers a method for identifying individuals, especially within criminal contexts. This technology has the potential to reveal insights into a person's thoughts, memories, emotions, biases, attention, preferences, and intentions. It may enable both the public and various institutions, including government to gain access to your mind, the one place which still remains private, at least for the time being..
Researchers are also developing noninvasive neurotechnology. Currently, there exist AI-driven brain decoders capable of converting unexpressed thoughts into text, eliminating the necessity for surgical procedures; however, this technology is not yet commercially available. In the meantime, numerous devices are available for purchase on Amazon that can capture your brain data. The one of example is Muse EEG-Powered Meditation & Sleep Headband. Let's say it acts as your personal meditation coach. The device features dry sensor technology and advanced digital signal processing that makes it easier than ever to track your brain activity and gain insights into your overall mental states.
Neurodata Privacy and 5 Neurorights
The capacity to monitor and modify brain activity through both implantable and non-implantable neural devices holds considerable promise for scientific and clinical advancements, also raises complex ethical concerns. There is a swift multidisciplinary integration occurring between Artificial Intelligence and emerging neurotechnologies that facilitate the recording and potential modification of human neuronal activity. While greatly advancing brain science and neural engineering, it simultaneously raises apprehensions regarding surveillance, the subliminal influence on preferences, and the gathering of brain and mental data.
The Neurorights Initiative platform sets 5 Neurorights -
- Personal Identity -Under no circumstances may neurotechnology alter a person's sense of self.
- Free Will - Individuals should have the ability to make decisions freely, free from the influence of neurotechnology manipulation.
- Equal Access - Enhanced cognitive abilities via neurotechnology should be accessible to everyone.
- Mental Privacy - Information regarding individuals' brain activity cannot be utilized without their explicit permission.
- Protection Against Biases - Individuals shall not face discrimination based on information acquired through neurotechnology.
Neurorights Around The World
The movement advocating for neurorights has made progress in several parts of the world.
Chile became the pioneering nation globally to approve an amendment to its constitution to include digital rights and the protection of "mental integrity" in response to the rapid development of neurotechnologies.
Brazil - state of Rio Grande Do Sul officially incorporates neurorights into its constitution. The other countries follow - Mexico, Spain, California, Colorado.
The EU AI Act
The EU AI Act (EU AIA) has been passed by the EU Parliament and will regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the EU by 2026.
Businesses in the UK that develop or deploy an AI system that is used in the EU will need to comply with the EU AI Act.
“In short, the advent of super-intelligent AI would be either the best or the worst thing ever to happen to humanity. The real risk with AI isn’t malice but competence. A super-intelligent AI will be extremely good at accomplishing its goals, and if those goals aren’t aligned with ours we’re in trouble.”
~ Stephen Hawking
