Human rights lawyers have warned that advances in neurotechnology, a science which connects people's nervous system with electronic devices, could change what it means to be responsible for our own actions, as leaders in the field met with academics and legal professionals in London.
The event was held on Human Rights Day, which marks the date the United Nations adopted its Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, and discussed the issue of 'neurorights'.
Neurotechnology connects a human's nervous system with electronic devices and therefore creates an interface between the brain and computers. It has the potential to treat a range of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
However, by monitoring, recording, influencing, or even controlling, neural activity in non-therapeutic settings, its potential impact is far greater. This gives rise to a range of profound ethical, social, political and economic issues.
Gene Matthews and Sean Humber, (pictured) partners of Leigh Day's human rights team expressed concerns that there is an "almost endless" list of ways this technology could be used, and for all the benefits, there are concerns at how it might be applied in workplaces, schools and even on the battlefield.
Both are part of the Centre of Neurotechnology and Law (CNL), which was founded in May 2024 and is headed by Harry Lambert, a barrister specialising in human rights and emerging tech. It came about as a reaction to groundbreaking developments in the sphere of neurotechnology.
Sean Humber said:
"Pointing to a utopian or dystopian future is too simplistic. It is positive to see governments, companies, individuals and NGOs increasingly waking up to the opportunities and benefits as well as the risks and possible harms. However, what we are currently lacking, and urgently need, is clear legislation covering this fast-moving area of science and its applications."
Gene Matthews added:
"Lawyers have a role to play as neurotechnology raises issues in relation to privacy, ownership and potential discrimination. It also raises the question of autonomy, in a world where there is a power to directly manipulate people".
Neurotechnology expert and CNL President, Dr Allan McCay said:
"Great advances in neurotechnology have generated tremendous commercial interest and new human rights challenges.
"What happens to one's mental privacy if a neural device collects brain data? Might neurotechnologies that stimulate the brain one day be used to manipulate people's behaviour?
"While the architects of the 1948 Declaration could not reasonably be expected to think about these things, today we can, and we ought to."
The event also heard from Dr Carlos Amunátegui Perelló, who helped Chile become the first country in the world to enshrine neurorights in law. He said:
"While artificial intelligence is the present day most disruptive technology, neurotech promises to have a biblical impact in society. It can make the blind see, the deaf hear and the paralytic walk, quite literally.
"However, it has a darker side too, that can change our conception of Human Rights and its protection. This is a disruption on the way, and its impact will outshine anything we have seen yet."