What questions should policymakers be asking?
The foresight team identified eight policy areas where neurotechnology could have a significant impact. Each one highlights not only the potential applications of these technologies but also the risks that must be addressed in advance.
One of the first concerns is consumer protection. As neurotechnology increasingly blurs the line between medical and non-medical uses, where should we draw the boundaries? Should regulations be based on how the technology is used, or on the nature of the technology itself?
In the area of health, the question arises about the extent to which we should allow interventions in the human brain. Technologies that can influence memory or emotions may offer hope in treating neurological diseases, but they could also become tools for manipulation or exclusion.
Fundamental rights—especially children’s rights—represent another sensitive area. Neurotechnology may respond differently to signals influenced by physical characteristics such as hair thickness or skin color. Are public policies prepared to deal with the risk of replicating existing biases in the digital world?
The ownership of neural data is emerging as a contentious issue in employment contexts. For example, should a professional athlete switching teams take their brain activity data with them, or does that information belong to their former employer?
There is also concern about the potential use of neurotechnology by law enforcement or security services. Could data stored in neurodevices be accessed by authorities or third parties? Do we need new legal frameworks to protect citizens’ mental integrity?
Education and innovation seem like natural areas for applying neurotechnology, but they raise complex dilemmas. If neurointerfaces truly enhance students’ cognitive abilities, how can we ensure equal access to prevent further deepening of social inequalities?
Finally, the ecological impact must be considered. Neurotechnological devices often require critical raw materials and pose challenges for recycling and disposal. Will the circular economy embrace them as allies, or will they become yet another environmental burden?
