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4 December 2023
The past decade has seen a major transformation in the development, utility and availability of neurotechnology. Progress in brain mapping tools and machine learning has expanded its application beyond the medicine sphere, reaching the entertainment and lifestyle sectors. In large part, this has been facilitated by corporate actors entering the neurotechnology research, development and production space. This raises myriad concerns regarding possible misuse, emphasizing the necessity of suitable legal regulation. From a human rights perspective, particular concerns include the right to privacy, data protection, as well as employee rights and non-discrimination.
Our new Research Brief The Evolving Neurotechnology Landscape: Examining the Role and Importance of Human Rights in Regulation provides a comprehensive background analysis of the complexities of regulating neurotechnology and the role of human rights in this process.
Authored by Dr Erica Harper, our Head of Research and Policy Studies, the paper marks the inception of our research project on neurotechnology and human rights, conducted in collaboration with the University of Geneva Neurocentre and the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) Advisory Committee.
‘The aim of the paper is to present what is a highly complex topic in an accessible manner, and from this enable meaningful stakeholder engagement. Understanding the forces driving the growth in the neurotech sector, as well as what the technology can, cannot and might do, is critical to identifying priority actions around regulation and safeguarding’ explains Dr Harper.
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The paper traces the evolution of neurotechnology, highlighting the involvement of the corporate sector, and the role played by machine learning. It examines four spheres of neurotechnology advancement —neuro-marketing, neuro-enhancement, brain monitoring, and weaponized neurotechnology— including their limitations, potential and possible externalities for human rights, social cohesion and conflict.
The final section considers emerging questions around regulation and the potential role of human rights in this context. The next steps in this research project include mapping where neurotechnology may impact human rights — both positively and negatively. ‘Only through an interdisciplinary process, engaging technologists, neuroscientists, ethicists, regulators, and human rights experts, can we forge regulatory solutions that foster innovation, uphold human rights, deter misuse, and ensure accountability’, explains Dr Harper.
Simon Fraser University
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As of January 2024, we are launching a dedicated newsletter to spotlight our work on digitalization.
Titled Digital Frontiers: Navigating Armed Conflicts and Human Rights in the Digital Age, this monthly newsletter will be your gateway to stay abreast of our research on the digitalization of armed conflicts and the human rights challenges posed by cutting-edge technologies, including neurotechnology. Beyond providing insights into our ongoing work, this monthly update will also keep you informed about the most recent news and developments in this ever-evolving landscape.
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Our recent research brief series explores how the United Nations' human rights system can enhance its role in early warning and conflict prevention.
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Geneva Academy
The Geneva Academy’s latest publication explores how cities, municipalities, and regional authorities are becoming key players in global human rights governance.
Event
ICRC
Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.
Training
ICRC
Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.
Training
Adobe
This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.
Project
UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferré
A series of events aimed at discussing contemporary issues and challenges related to the promotion and protection of human rights in Geneva and beyond.
Project
Adobe
This initiative wishes to contribute to better and more coordinated implementation, reporting and follow-up of international human rights recommendations through a global study on digital human rights tracking tools and databases.
Publication
Geneva Academy
Publication
Geneva Academy
