Focus on the Ethics of neurotechnology.

 

Neurotechnology, a rapidly growing field focused on understanding and interacting with the brain, has transformed medicine through innovations like brain stimulation and neuroimaging. It has greatly advanced treatment for neurological disorders and is expanding into new areas beyond healthcare. However, UNESCO highlights that neurotechnology also raises serious ethical concerns — especially as it can access and manipulate brain activity, revealing personal information about identity, emotions, and thoughts. When combined with artificial intelligence, it poses risks to human dignity, autonomy, and mental privacy. To address this, UNESCO promotes international reflection and the development of ethical regulations to ensure neurotechnology serves humanity responsibly.

Challenges of neurotechnology

Key data
Did you know?

1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental or neurological disorder
700% increase of investments in neurotech companies


from 2014 to 2021 making the overall investment amount to USD 33.2 billion Of 1400 neurotech companies


50 % are based in the USA, 35% in Europe and the UK 

Neurotechnology and artificial intelligence


Neurotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) have become increasingly intertwined. This presents new challenges. Ethical and human rights implications are amplified further by this rapid convergence.

In addition, the worldwide lack of solid governance and regulation in this area is worrisome.

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Use of neural dataCompanies can use neural data obtained from non-invasive neurotech devices for marketing purposes. By detecting signals related to our preferences and dislikes, these companies can influence customer’s behavior for profit maximization. This raises alarming questions about surveillance, marketing tactics, and political influence on our most private thoughts and emotions, ultimately threatening our democracies and the foundations of society.

Social inequalitiesThe deployment of neurotechnology could also exacerbate existing social inequalities. If access to advanced neurotechnology is limited to the wealthy, it could further increase the gap between this social group and others, whether at the international, national or local level. This can lead to social tensions and conflict.

UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI


together with other existing human rights instruments, constitutes a solid foundation for the development of a global normative framework on ethical governance of neurotechnology (see Policy Area 11 on Health and social wellbeing, para. 126).

Towards an international instrument: Neuroethics insights from the Ad Hoc Expert Group



Professor Pedro Maldonado Arbogast



Dr. Herve Chneiweiss



Professor Riadh Gouider



Dr. Ioana Podina

IBC Report on Ethical issues of neurotechnology


UNESCO is a leading force within the UN system on neurotechnology.

This Report of the International Bioethics Committee of UNESCO on Ethical issues of neurotechnology reveals the multifaceted impacts of advancements in technologies that “read” and “write” brain activity. Through investigating the intersection between neurotechnology, ethics and human rights, it identifies fundamental human characteristics and associated human rights that might be challenged by the development of this technology. The Report puts forth recommendations to stakeholders at various levels, calling upon UNESCO, Member States, the research community, the industry, the media and the general public to take various actions to address the identified challenges and guarantee neuro-rights.


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