European Charter for the Responsible Development of Neurotechnologies – European Brain Council (EBC)
▻https://www.braincouncil.eu/european-charter-for-the-responsible-development-of-neurotechnologies
Over the last decades, advances in technology and in the understanding of the human nervous system have expanded the possibilities of using such knowledge under the form of devices and procedures, collectively referred to as neurotechnologies. Neurotechnologies are designed to interact with the brain and nervous system, providing support for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of neurological and mental health conditions, thereby addressing unmet medical needs and promoting brain health globally. Beyond their clinical utility, neurotechnologies are being mobilised in a growing number of settings beyond health and research, including education, the workplace, and the direct-to-consumer market for entertainment and personal use.
Neurotechnologies have great potential to foster brain health. Clinical tools range from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Electroencephalography (EEG) to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), each holding transformative power for both diagnosis and management of neurological and mental health conditions. Furthermore, the growing accessibility and portability of neurotechnologies, along with their potential applications in everyday life, have expanded their use beyond the medical field and into the general consumer market (for example in work, education, entertainment, and marketing). Consequently, over the past decade, the field of neurotechnology applications has grown exponentially, with the neurotechnology market projected to reach more than $24 billion by 2027. However, the uses of neurotechnologies both in the medical field and the general consumer market raise crucial ethical and societal issues—notably in terms of human enhancement, regulation and marketing of direct-to-consumer devices, protection of personal neural data and vulnerability of cognitive patterns for commercial or political manipulation.
The European Charter for the Responsible Development of Neurotechnologies is a policy-driven project complementing EU consumer protection and general product safety standards. Acknowledging the unique role of the brain in governing cognitive processes and personal identity, the Charter refreshes the European policy debate on technology governance by promoting a culture of stewardship and trust in neurotechnologies, supporting greater wellbeing and sustainable economic growth, and guiding public policy, activities of companies and investments.