From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is EEG?
Mains level: Ethics; Concerns and opportunities related to digitisation of neuro-data;
Why in the News?
Many researchers anticipate the imminent development of wearable EEGs capable of enhancing human cognitive functions directly.
- Elon Musk’s Neuralink has also sparked optimism by exploring brain-computer interfaces to potentially restore lost functions in physically impaired individuals.
- Neuralink is a company founded by Elon Musk in 2016 that’s developing a brain-computer interface called “the Link,” which is a surgically embedded neural-chip implant designed to decode and stimulate brain activity.
- Neuralink implanted its first device in a patient’s brain in January 2024.
What is EEG?EEGs refer to electroencephalograms, which are devices used to record electrical activity in the brain. These devices are valuable in neuroscience for monitoring brain functions and diagnosing various neurological conditions. What is Neuroscience? Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It is a multidisciplinary field that combines various approaches to understand the structure, function, and disorders of the nervous system. What is Neuro data? Neuro-data refers to data related to the nervous system, particularly the brain. It encompasses various types of data collected through neuroscience research and clinical studies. |
Significance of Neurodata:
- Medical Advancements: It has the potential to provide precise diagnosis and personalized treatment of neurological disorders. It facilitates the continuous monitoring of brain health and early detection of abnormalities.
- Technological Innovation: It supports the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and wearable neurodevices. It would enhance rehabilitation options for individuals with neurological impairments.
- Research and Insights: It can provide data for studying brain functions, cognition, and behaviour. It fuels advancements in neuroscience, leading to new therapies and interventions.
What are your neurorights?
- Right to Mental Privacy: Individuals have the right to privacy concerning their neural activities and cognitive processes. This includes protection against unauthorized access to neural data and ensuring confidentiality in the use of neurotechnologies.
- Right to Neurological Integrity: Individuals possess the right to autonomy over their neurological functions and activities. This entails the freedom from undue manipulation or coercion through neurotechnological interventions, ensuring that such technologies respect and preserve individuals’ neurological integrity.
What is Neuroethics?Neuroethics is a field that addresses the ethical, legal, and social implications of advancements in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. It aims to ensure that the development and application of these technologies benefit humanity while minimising harm. |
The digitisation of neuro-data raises great opportunities as well as concerns
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Opportunities:
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- Enhanced Cognitive Assistance: Wearable EEGs and other neurotech devices can directly aid cognitive functions. For example, Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) like Neuralink could help physically impaired individuals restore lost functions.
- Medical Advancements: It provides Real-time health monitoring and personalized healthcare options. For example, Improved diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders through detailed neuro-data.
- Commercial and Research Value: It provides Valuable insights for neuromarketing to understand and influence consumer behaviour.
- Integration with Daily Life: It can be used in daily life by using Smartwatches and apps that can track physiological activities and emotions, integrating neurotech into everyday activities.
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Concerns:
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- Surveillance Risks: It has a potential misuse of neuro data for monitoring by employers, governments, and private companies.
- Privacy and Security: It may threaten mental privacy and autonomy with the collection and analysis of sensitive neuro data.
- Ethical and Legal Challenges: It has the potential for ethical dilemmas in mental privacy, consent, and the use of neurotech in various societal contexts.
- Impact on Individual Rights: The right to think freely and safeguard one’s mental state from monitoring could be compromised. For example, Digitized health data’s commercial value could lead to exploitation and loss of personal control.
Initiatives related to neuroethics:
- Institutional Efforts:
- U.S. Presidential Commission on Bioethics: In 2015, it published the ‘Gray Matters’ report, addressing cognitive enhancement, consent capacity, and the legal implications of neuroscience.
- Global Initiatives:
- OECD Recommendations: In 2019, the OECD recommended principles such as safeguarding personal brain data and monitoring potential misuse of neurotechnologies.
- UNESCO’s Concerns: In 2022, UNESCO highlighted issues related to human identity, freedom of thought, and privacy, emphasizing the risks of unauthorized access to neural data.
- Research and Training:
- Institute of Neuroethics: In 2023, researchers emphasized the need for proactive consideration of the implications of scientific advances and incorporating ethics into research training.
Conclusion: Governments and international bodies should collaborate to create robust regulations that govern the collection, use, and sharing of neuro data. These regulations should ensure that neurotechnologies are used ethically, protecting mental privacy, consent, and individual rights.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government business. (2015)
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