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Ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses-a systematic review
E A M van Velthoven1, O C van Stuijvenberg1, D R E Haselager1
1Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands.
Journal of Neural Engineering
|April 27, 2022
Summary
This review identifies 169 ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses, highlighting a gap in research compared to other neurotechnologies. Early consideration of these ethical issues is crucial for responsible development and clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Bioethics
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Visual neuroprostheses offer potential restoration of sight but raise complex ethical questions.
- Existing literature on neuroprosthetics ethics primarily focuses on motor neuroprostheses and cochlear implants (CIs).
- A significant gap exists in dedicated ethical analysis of visual neuroprostheses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify and categorize the ethical implications associated with visual neuroprostheses.
- To inform future research and ethical discourse on this emerging technology.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase.
- Search terms combined synonyms for visual neuroprostheses, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), and cochlear implants (CIs) with 'ethics'.
- Literature on BCIs and CIs was included due to ethical and functional parallels.
Main Results:
- Eighty-four articles were included in the review.
- Six articles specifically addressed visual prostheses; others covered broader neurotechnologies, BCIs, or CIs.
- 169 distinct ethical implications were identified and categorized into seven themes.
Conclusions:
- The development and deployment of visual neuroprostheses necessitate early and thorough ethical consideration.
- The identified ethical implications span benefits, risks, autonomy, societal impact, research, regulation, and public engagement.
- This review provides a foundational framework for addressing the unique ethical challenges of visual neuroprosthetic technologies.
