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Picture Courtesy: The Hindu

Context:

UNESCO’s new recommendations on the ethics of neurotechnology, provide the first global normative framework aimed at balancing innovation with protection of fundamental human rights. 

What is neuro technology?

Neurotechnology refers to technologies and devices that interface with the nervous system, particularly the brain, to monitor, assess, or modulate neural activity. It includes methods that read neural signals (such as brain-computer interfaces) as well as those that influence brain function (like deep brain stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation). These technologies can be invasive (requiring implantation of electrodes) or non-invasive (using external sensors or magnetic fields). Neurotechnology has applications in medical diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation, human enhancement, and research into brain function. Examples include devices to assist paralyzed patients, improve cognitive abilities, and detect neurological disorders. Its advances combine neuroscience, engineering, and computing to understand and influence brain and nervous system functions.

What are recommendations of UNESCO on Neurotechnology?

Defining Neurotechnology

• Neurotechnology is broadly defined to include any device or procedure that “measures, modulates or stimulates” neural systems.
• Neural (or “neuro-”) data includes brain data, but also “non-neural data” that can be used to infer mental states.

Core ethical principles
The framework outlines a set of guiding values and principles:

• Beneficence (doing good)
• Proportionality (risks vs benefits)
• No harm
• Autonomy & freedom of thought
• Protection of neural data & mental privacy
• Non-discrimination / inclusivity
• Accountability
• Trustworthiness & transparency
• Epistemic justice (fairness in knowledge)
• Protection of future generations

Prohibitions

• The Recommendation prohibits the use of neural (or inferred) data for manipulative or deceptive purposes: e.g., in political, commercial, or medical contexts.
• It warns against using neurotechnology in the workplace to monitor employees or screen them (e.g., productivity, stress, hidden traits) without proper protections.
• For children and adolescents, especially, it advises caution: use of neurotechnology for non-therapeutic purposes should be avoided or strictly regulated, because of their developing brains.
• It also stresses regulating products that may influence behavior, or lead to addiction (e.g., consumer neurotech) — ensuring clear and accessible information for users.

Data Protection & Mental Privacy

• Neural and mental-state–inferred data are considered sensitive personal data.
• There should be explicit informed consent for using neurotechnology and collecting neural data.
• UNESCO calls for privacy-by-design, strong data security (e.g., encryption), and protections against unauthorized access or misuse.
• There must be transparency about how data is collected, used, shared, stored, and who has access.

Free Will, Autonomy, and Identity

• The framework defends freedom of thought and cognitive liberty. External interference in brain activity must not undermine a person’s autonomy or sense of self.
• It also highlights the need to preserve personal identity — ensuring that brain–computer interfaces or neuro tech don’t unduly shape or override individual decision-making.

Inclusion & Equity

• The Recommendation emphasizes inclusivity: neurotechnology should be affordable and accessible, not just available to wealthy or privileged groups.
• It calls for special attention to vulnerable populations: children, older adults, people with disabilities or mental health conditions.
• It supports global justice: recognition that neurotechnology development and regulation should consider different national contexts.

Responsible Research & Innovation (RRI)

• UNESCO promotes a Responsible Research and Innovation approach: researchers should anticipate consequences of their work, involve the public and stakeholders in shaping it, and align with societal values.
• They also advocate for open science: sharing data, methods, tools broadly, so that research is verifiable, reusable, and inclusive.
• At the same time, they recognize the role of intellectual property (IP) but caution against commodifying the brain.

Governance, Accountability, & Regulation

• Governments are urged to adopt national legislation or policies in line with these recommendations, to turn the framework into real action.
• There should be oversight mechanisms — ethics boards, independent review, regulation of neurotech companies.
• Long-term safety must be assessed, including mental and neural risks, not just physical ones.

 Current status of neurotechnology:

• The global neurotechnology market is growing strongly. Reports estimate it was ~US$ 15.38 billion in 2024, and projected to reach ~US$ 17–17.4 billion in 2025.
• The neural implants market (implantable devices) is likewise growing: projected to go from ~US$ 5.39 bn in 2024 to ~US$ 8.56 bn by 2029.
• Technological Advances: Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), Closed-Loop Systems, Precision Neuroscience.

What are the concerns of neurotechnology?

• Privacy issue: Neurotechnology can read brain signals and cognitive patterns. Brain data (neurodata) is extremely sensitive—more intimate than biometric or genetic data. 

• Mental autonomy: Possibility of influencing, predicting, or manipulating human thoughts. Raises concerns about loss of free will, mental autonomy, and freedom of thought. 

• Ethical Concerns: Lack of clarity on what is ethical in brain-machine interactions and mind-tracking, mood manipulation, enhanced cognition, and discrimination against non-enhanced individuals. 

• Dual-Use Concerns: Technologies can be used for both medical and military purposes and potential misuse for surveillance, interrogation, or mind-influencing weapons. 

What are way forwards to strengthen the neurotechnology development?

Establish a strong regulatory framework

• Form a dedicated Neurotechnology Regulatory Authority or integrate with existing bodies (ICMR, DST, MeitY).
• Set standards for research, production, clinical trials, and commercial use of neurotech devices. 

Ethical guidelines for research

• Mandatory ethical review boards for neurotech projects.
• Ban or heavily regulate technologies that allow invasive monitoring or manipulation.
• Implement “informed consent” standards for vulnerable groups (children, mentally ill patients, soldiers). 

Strengthen cybersecurity for neurodata

• Create strict rules for storage, encryption, transfer, and access to neural data.
• Prevent “brain hacking,” unauthorized access, and misuse of EEG/BCI data by companies or foreign actors.
• Mandate secure-by-design features for all brain–machine interface devices. 

Promote Responsible Innovation

• Encourage public–private partnerships for safe innovation.
• Provide funding for medical neurotech (Parkinson’s, epilepsy) while restricting consumer-grade manipulative gadgets.
• Support indigenous development through Startup India, Make in India, and Mission Life Sciences. 

Conclusion:

Neurotechnology holds transformative potential for healthcare and human development, but also poses unprecedented risks to mental privacy and autonomy. A balanced approach—grounded in strong regulation, ethical safeguards, protection of neurorights, and responsible innovation—is essential to ensure that neurotechnology advances human dignity rather than undermining it. 

Source: The Hindu