Towards a Governance Framework for Brain Data

TL;DR

This paper proposes a multi-level governance framework for brain data to address ethical challenges and maximize scientific benefits while minimizing risks, integrating regulation, ethics, responsible innovation, and human rights.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive governance framework specifically tailored for brain data, combining multiple regulatory and ethical approaches.

Findings

Identifies key ethical issues in brain data handling.

Proposes a four-area governance framework.

Aims to balance scientific progress with ethical safeguards.

Abstract

The increasing availability of brain data within and outside the biomedical field, combined with the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to brain data analysis, poses a challenge for ethics and governance. We identify distinctive ethical implications of brain data acquisition and processing, and outline a multi-level governance framework. This framework is aimed at maximizing the benefits of facilitated brain data collection and further processing for science and medicine whilst minimizing risks and preventing harmful use. The framework consists of four primary areas of regulatory intervention: binding regulation, ethics and soft law, responsible innovation, and human rights.