What an International Declaration on Neurotechnologies and Human Rights Could Look like: Ideas, Suggestions,...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurotechnology
• Neuroethics
• International Law

Background:

• International bodies like UNESCO are creating a new regulatory framework for neurotechnologies.
• This initiative represents the first global soft law instrument specifically for neurotechnologies.
• Current discussions are narrowly focused on "neurorights," potentially overlooking broader ethical and technical considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To broaden the discourse surrounding the international regulation of neurotechnologies.
• To propose a comprehensive set of 25 considerations for a future international instrument.
• To move beyond the limited "neurorights" debate and encompass wider aspects of neurotechnology governance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current international regulatory discussions.
• Formulation of 25 desiderata at varying levels of abstraction.
• Synthesis of perspectives from neuroscience, neurotechnology, and neuroethics.

Main Results:

• Identification of 25 key considerations for international neurotechnology standards.
• A framework for discussion that spans from high-level principles to technical specifics.
• A call for wider engagement from the scientific and ethical communities.

Conclusions:

• A future international instrument for neurotechnologies requires a broader scope than currently debated.
• The proposed desiderata offer a starting point for comprehensive international neurotechnology governance.
• Engaging the neuroscience, neurotech, and neuroethics communities is crucial for effective regulation.