Privacy: UNESCO to develop ethical framework on neurotech devices

Source: The post is based on the article “Privacy: UNESCO to develop ethical framework on neurotech devices” published in PIB on 13th June 2023

What is the News?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is all set to host an international conference to develop an ethical framework for the usage of neurotech devices that feed brain-wave data to computers through dry electrodes and implants.

What is Neurotechnology?

Neurotechnology encompasses any method or electronic device which interfaces with the nervous system to monitor or modulate neural activity.

Common design goals for neuro technologies include using neural activity readings to control external devices such as neuroprosthetics, altering neural activity via neuromodulation to repair or normalize function affected by neurological disorders, or augmenting cognitive abilities.

In addition to their therapeutic or commercial uses, neuro technologies also constitute powerful research tools to advance fundamental neuroscience knowledge.

Some examples of neuro technologies include deep brain stimulation, photostimulation based on optogenetics and photo pharmacology, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and brain–computer interfaces, such as cochlear implants and retinal implants.

What are the issues associated with Neurotechnology?

Unlike many other frontier technologies, neurotechnology can directly access, manipulate and emulate the structure of the brain, and with it produce information about our identities, our emotions, our fears.

Combined with artificial intelligence, its resulting potential can easily become a threat to notions of human identity, human dignity, freedom of thought, autonomy, (mental) privacy and well-being.

What is Deep brain stimulation (DBS)?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves implanting electrodes within certain areas of the brain. These electrodes produce electrical impulses that regulate abnormal impulses or the electrical impulses can affect certain cells and chemicals within the brain.

DBS is approved to treat a number of conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, epilepsy and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

However, the possible side effects of DBS are frequently underestimated. Complications of DBS fall into three categories: Surgery complications, hardware (device and wires) complications and stimulation-related complications.