Brain-computer interface (BCI) researcher perspectives on neural data ownership and privacy

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Data Privacy

Background:

• Brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies and neural devices generate substantial neural data.
• This neural data holds significant value for research and commercial applications.
• Individuals generating neural data may desire control over its use and disposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate BCI researchers' understanding of the relationship between neural data and users.
• To determine BCI researchers' perspectives on the level of control individuals should have over their neural data.
• To explore concerns regarding neural data privacy and regulation.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 122 BCI researchers.
• The survey gathered perspectives on control of neural data in both research and consumer contexts.
• Survey outcomes and related concerns were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 58% of BCI researchers support providing research participants access to their raw neural data.
• A majority view neural data as a type of medical data.
• Researchers indicated individuals should have limited control over donating or selling neural data.
• Most researchers found current regulations inadequate for protecting consumer neural data privacy.

Conclusions:

• BCI researchers advocate for a balance between individual control and data protection.
• There is a consensus that individuals should have some, but not absolute, control over neural data.
• Existing legal and regulatory frameworks are perceived as insufficient for safeguarding neural data privacy.