UN official warns lack of international model law for neurotechnology, and neurodata raises privacy concerns
UN official warns lack of international model law for neurotechnology, and neurodata raises privacy concerns
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The United Nations has raised urgent concerns over the lack of international regulations governing neurotechnologies and the handling of neurodata, highlighting growing privacy risks.
According to JURIST, Dr. Ana Brian Nougrères, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, presented a report to the 58th Human Rights Council session in Geneva, noting that current legal frameworks are inadequate to address challenges posed by advancements in brain-computer interfaces, neural monitoring, and cognitive data collection.
The report calls for four key actions: the creation of specific regulatory frameworks for neurotechnologies and neurodata processing; integration of established privacy rights principles into national laws; promotion of ethical practices to mitigate technological risks; and increased public education to ensure informed consent.
Experts warn that without international standards, individuals’ mental privacy and autonomy could be compromised, as sensitive neural data may be exploited for commercial or governmental purposes. The UN emphasizes that safeguarding cognitive liberty and mental integrity is essential to protect fundamental human rights in the rapidly evolving digital age.
