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15 April 2025
Our new research brief 'Neurotechnology - Integrating Human Rights in Regulation', co-authored by Dr Erica Harper, Head of Research and Policy Studies at the Geneva Academy and Dr Allan McCay, Academic Fellow, Sydney Law School and Co-director, Sydney Institute of Criminology, examines the human rights challenges posed by the rapid development of neurotechnology. As the field grows, the paper addresses the increasing role of the private sector and the potential for neurotechnologies to be misused, raising important ethical and legal questions.
The paper discusses concerns related to privacy, freedom of thought, and the use of neurotechnology in both therapeutic and commercial contexts. It highlights the risks associated with the 'dual-use' nature of some innovations, where scientific and engineering developments that may lead to highly beneficial applications such as those providing forms of therapy might also facilitate more troubling use cases. The authors argue that these developments could impact fundamental human rights, particularly as companies are the primary players in the neurotechnology sector. In addition to addressing the need for regulatory frameworks, the paper calls for careful consideration of issues such as data privacy, consent, and the role of neuro-enhancement in society. It also discusses the implications of using neurotechnology in criminal justice, particularly regarding the use of brain data to infer mental states.
This research follows an event held in April 2024 at the University of Sydney, where experts from various fields discussed the future of neurotechnology. The paper's findings will contribute to ongoing discussions by the Human Rights Council’s Advisory Council, which is preparing a study on the human rights implications of neurotechnology.
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Our research brief, Neurotechnology and Human Rights: An Audit of Risks, Regulatory Challenges, and Opportunities, examines the human rights implications of neurotechnology in both therapeutic and commercial applications.
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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.
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.
This training course will delve into the means and mechanisms through which national actors can best coordinate their human rights monitoring and implementation efforts, enabling them to strategically navigate the UN human rights system and use the various mechanisms available in their day-to-day work.
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This training course, specifically designed for staff of city and regional governments, will explore the means and mechanisms through which local and regional governments can interact with and integrate the recommendations of international human rights bodies in their concrete work at the local level.
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This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee.
UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferré
Geneva Academy
Geneva Academy