KATHMANDU, July 27: Scientists have found that human rights can be violated after creating a device that can record changes and activities in the human mind. The issue of how to regulate mind-reading technology has become complicated for policy experts and policy-makers in the context that scientists are rapidly changing the concept of being able to read people's minds, which was previously referred to as science fiction. They are increasingly concerned about its impact on personal privacy and human rights.
Recently, at a meeting organized by UNESCO in Paris, neuroscientists, policymakers, and ministers from various countries discussed how to regulate "Neurotechnology" in the future. Neurotechnology allows direct observation of brain activity and measuring changes in the brain. Medical professionals use approved devices to collect data about the brain using electrical or imaging methods. For example, in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, a small electrode wire is implanted in the brain to stimulate nerve cells. Similarly, commercial products like virtual reality (VR) headsets can collect brain data and easily control the user's experience.
The UNESCO assistant director Gabriel Ramos stated that "regulating neuro-technology is not just a technical issue; it's a social and legal matter." Neurotechnology has shown promise in treating brain-related disorders, mental health issues, and aiding rehabilitation in spinal injuries. In education, it can help assess a person's cognitive abilities in real-time and support personalized learning. In the field of sports and entertainment, neurotechnology allows exciting experiences through brain-computer interfaces.
However, with the progress in neuro-imaging technology, it is now possible to decode a person's thoughts and even convert thoughts into words through brain-computer interfaces. A report released during the UNESCO meeting highlighted that the number of patent applications related to neurotechnology has doubled from 2015 to 2020. Investments in this field have also increased by 22 times, with over $33 billion invested in the neurotechnology industry from 2010 to 2020.
There is a scientific consensus that neurotechnology needs to be regulated as it has the potential to influence people's thinking and behavior. Conference participants said the corporate world and political leadership could use personal data for commercial and political purposes. It has been seen that headsets, earbuds, wristbands that are currently being used for commercial purposes can record various brain activities and this information can be made available to device manufacturers. A study by the Neurorights Foundation has shown that such devices, which are currently manufactured by 18 companies in the world, have an arrangement with the producer company to own the brain data. Participants emphasized the need for neuro-rights because the right to brain activity of a person can be misused by another party.
Currently, countries like Chile, Spain, Slovenia, Saudi Arabia have started regulating neurotechnology. Chile amended its constitution in 2021 to require legislation to regulate neurotechnology, becoming the first country to do so. Addressing the Paris meeting, UN Secretary General António Guterres said, “Progress in this area is worth celebrating, but caution is also necessary. We must give importance to the aspect of protecting moral values and human rights.” According to UNESCO, the meeting to be held in November will discuss the issue of whether there is a need for a global directive to regulate this matter. UNESCO aims to provide a final version of the guidelines for the ethical use of artificial intelligence and, similarly, plans to conclude guidelines for the regulation of neurotechnology in the realm of artificial intelligence.