Why in the news?

• UNESCO released the world’s first international ethical framework governing the use and development of neurotechnology.

Neurotechnology

• What is it?:
  • Neurotechnology encompasses devices and techniques designed to access, record, monitor, or modulate neural systems, particularly the human brain and nervous system.
  • It includes brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neural implants, neuroimaging (such as EEG and MRI), neurostimulation, and neuromodulation methods.
• Applications:
  • Medical: Diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as paralysis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and depression.
  • Assistive devices: Brain-controlled prosthetics and communication aids for disabled individuals.
  • Research: Understanding brain function, cognition, and consciousness.
  • Emerging commercial and military uses: Cognitive enhancement, brain-machine communication, and decision-making support.
• Risks and Concerns:
  • Privacy and Data Protection: Possible misuse of the extremely sensitive brain data.
  • Cognitive liberty: Concerns over manipulation of thoughts and emotions.
  • Inequality: Access to advanced neurotech deepens the socio-economic gaps
  • Ethical Concerns: Issues related to consent and autonomy
  • Security Risk: Potential for neural hacking of brain linked devices.

Source: The Hindu