Neurotechnology Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Nat Protoc. 2023 Oct;18(10):2869-2875. doi: 10.1038/s41596-023-00873-0. Epub 2023 Sep 11.
The ability to record and alter brain activity by using implantable and nonimplantable neural devices, while poised to have significant scientific and clinical benefits, also raises complex ethical concerns. In this Perspective, we raise awareness of the ability of artificial intelligence algorithms and data-aggregation tools to decode and analyze data containing highly sensitive information, jeopardizing personal neuroprivacy. Voids in existing regulatory frameworks, in fact, allow unrestricted decoding and commerce of neurodata. We advocate for the implementation of proposed ethical and human rights guidelines, alongside technical options such as data encryption, differential privacy and federated learning to ensure the protection of neurodata privacy. We further encourage regulatory bodies to consider taking a position of responsibility by categorizing all brain-derived data as sensitive health data and apply existing medical regulations to all data gathered via pre-registered neural devices. Lastly, we propose that a technocratic oath may instill a deontology for neurotechnology practitioners akin to what the Hippocratic oath represents in medicine. A conscientious societal position that thoroughly rejects the misuse of neurodata would provide the moral compass for the future development of the neurotechnology field.
利用可植入和不可植入的神经设备记录和改变大脑活动的能力，在具有重大科学和临床效益的同时，也引发了复杂的伦理问题。在本观点中，我们意识到人工智能算法和数据聚合工具解码和分析包含高度敏感信息的数据的能力，这可能危及个人神经隐私。事实上，现有监管框架中的空白允许对神经数据进行不受限制的解码和交易。我们主张实施拟议的伦理和人权准则，以及数据加密、差分隐私和联邦学习等技术选项，以确保神经数据隐私的保护。我们还鼓励监管机构通过将所有源自大脑的数据归类为敏感健康数据，并将所有通过预先注册的神经设备收集的数据应用现有医疗法规，来考虑承担责任。最后，我们建议技术官僚宣誓可以为神经技术从业者注入类似于希波克拉底誓言在医学中的作用的职业道德。一个彻底拒绝滥用神经数据的有意识的社会立场将为神经技术领域的未来发展提供道德指南针。
