Perspective Chapter: Making Space for Neuro Rights in the Context of Brain-Computer Interfaces: One Small Step for Human Rights, One Giant Leap for Mankind

Abstract

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are compelling technologies that allow for bidirectional communication and control between the human brain and the outside world (via a computer) by exchanging brain activity data. Although being admired for their clinical promises, they raise novel ethical and legal issues. Legal debates centre around patient autonomy, equity, data protection and security, dehumanization, machine learning-based decision-making limitations, and the influence of BCIs on human rights—and whether we need new rights to protect our neuro data and mental privacy or not. This chapter will reconsider existing rights and weigh up the argument for sui generis rights.