NEW YORK - Regulation of neurotechnologies is vital to ensure an ethical approach and protect the right to privacy in an increasingly digital age, a UN expert said today.
In a report to the General Assembly, Ana Brian Nougrères, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, called for the development of a model law on neurotechnologies and neurodata processing from the perspective of the right to privacy.
"Rapid development of neurotechnology poses challenges to physical and mental integrity and the safeguarding of human rights," Brian Nougrères said. "The international community needs to develop a set of recommended guidelines for applying the existing human rights framework to the conception, design, development, testing, use and deployment of neurotechnologies."
The report acknowledges the advances in neurotechnologies and their impact, both positive and negative, on society and identifies key fundamental pillars that are important to consider when developing a regulatory framework, taking into consideration the right to privacy and human dignity.
"A robust national legal framework that guarantees the right to privacy including the principles of informed consent, ethics in design, the precautionary principle and non-discrimination is crucial to ensure a balance between technological innovation and the protection of human rights," the Special Rapporteur said.
To ensure the proper treatment of neurodata, which is highly sensitive personal information, the expert stressed that there is an urgent need to establish guidelines taking into consideration ethical practices and to oversee such practices, preventing any misuse that could compromise privacy or lead to discrimination.
"We need greater awareness and education on the risks associated with neurotechnologies to enable people to better understand their impact, make informed decisions about their neurodata, and demand respect for their rights in this new technological era," Brian Nougrères said.
This report builds on the expert's findings on the foundations and principles for the regulation of neurotechnologies and the processing of neurodata presented to the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2025.
