What are UNESCO’s new guidelines for the use of neurotechnology?, PgII

Key Highlights:

• UNESCO issued the first global normative framework on the ethics of neurotechnology on November 5, which came into force on November 12.
• The framework aims to balance innovation with human rights, protecting the brain and brain data from misuse, such as in political marketing or employment screening.
• Neurotechnology includes devices accessing and acting on neural systems, with investments exceeding $6 billion in the public sector and $7.3 billion in the private sector by 2020.
• The framework recommends principles like beneficence, autonomy, and data protection, prohibiting the use of neural data for manipulative purposes.

Detailed Insights:

• The framework addresses concerns about privacy, misuse, and informed consent related to decoding neurodata.
• Some jurisdictions have started recognizing neurorights, with Chile protecting "mental integrity" in its Constitution and California safeguarding brain data.
• The OECD developed international standards on ‘Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology Enterprises’ in 2019, emphasizing responsible development and technology transfer.
• UNESCO's recommendations are based on human dignity, human rights, and sustainable development, focusing on defining neurotechnology, identifying values, and considering vulnerable populations.
• The framework promotes a Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) approach, weighing benefits and risks, and encourages an open science model for freely available research outcomes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Neurotechnology: Devices and procedures that access, assess, and act on neural systems, including the human brain.
• Neurorights: Ethical principles encompassing mental privacy, integrity, and liberty for users interacting with neurotechnology.
• Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI): An approach to align research with ethical and sustainable outcomes by considering societal values and needs.