IBC:Report on the Ethics of Neurotechnology” (2021)

International Bioethics Committee (IBC) “Report on the Ethics of Neurotechnology” (2021) – Comprehensive Analysis

IBC Neurotech Report (2021) defines “neuro-rights” against BCI risks, advocating global governance for brain data sovereignty. Adopted in Chile’s pioneering legislation. 

Source: UNESCO

International Bioethics Committee (IBC) “Report on the Ethics of Neurotechnology” (2021) – Comprehensive Analysis

1. Summary

This report systematically evaluates ethical challenges posed by neurotechnologies (e.g., brain-computer interfaces, deep brain stimulation) and proposes a “Neuro-Rights” protection framework. It emphasizes novel human rights concepts including cognitive liberty, mental privacy, and neural data sovereignty, providing policy recommendations for global neurotechnology governance.

2. Official Sources

3. Key Terms

  • Neuro-Rights
  • Brain Data Privacy
  • Cognitive Liberty
  • BCI Ethics
  • Neuroenhancement Risks

4. Background

  • Technological Advances: Commercialization of BCIs by Neuralink et al.
  • Regulatory Gap: Global absence of neurotechnology-specific laws
  • Ethical Controversies: 2019 US military “mind-controlled drone” experiments
  • UNESCO Mandate: Global leadership in emerging tech ethics

5. Core Content

a) Four Neuro-Rights

RightProtection RequirementTechnology Case
Mental PrivacyProhibits non-consensual EEG data collectionCommercial EEG headbands
Cognitive LibertyPrevents neurotechnological thought manipulationTargeted neuromarketing
Mental IntegritySafeguards against technological harmDeep brain stimulation side effects
Neural Data SovereigntyIndividual control over brain dataCloud-stored brain maps

b) Risk Classification Framework

Risk TierApplication TypeRegulatory Requirement
TherapeuticMedical treatmentStrict informed consent
EnhancementNon-medical useProhibited
MilitaryDefense applicationsInternational ban

c) Governance Recommendations

  • Establish a World Neurotechnology Ethics Committee
  • Develop an International Convention on Neurotechnology
  • Create quantum-secure neural data encryption standards

6. Global Impact

  • Policy: Inspired Chile’s 2021 Neuro-Rights Law (world’s first)
  • Industry: Neuralink revised clinical trial protocols
  • Academia: Catalyzed “neuroethics” as a discipline
  • Follow-up: UNESCO drafting Declaration on Neurotechnology Ethics

7. China Context

  • Tiangong BCI Project implements the report’s “three-tier consent”
  • 2023 BCI Ethics Guidelines reference this framework

Note: Distinct from OECD’s neurotech policy guidelines focused on technical management.

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