European Union experts have called for stronger protections around the use of brain data as neurotechnology and artificial intelligence become increasingly interconnected.
The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) has released a statement recommending a new approach to governing neuro-AI systems, including those with potential applications in healthcare, rehabilitation and scientific research.
The group said neurodata can increasingly be collected, combined and reused to develop AI models and applications, creating opportunities but also raising concerns around fundamental rights and the public interest.
Its recommendations include strengthening protections for neurodata and inferences drawn from it under EU data protection law, and ensuring people are protected where neurodata is used in decisions with significant consequences.
The EGE has also called for responsible development of technologies including brain foundation models, greater European governance capacity for neuro-AI infrastructure and a targeted review of existing EU regulations.
Rather than focusing primarily on individual devices and data privacy, the group wants regulators to consider the wider infrastructure used to collect, process and reuse neurodata.
Neuro-AI infrastructure includes interconnected systems used to collect and process neurodata and develop, deploy and manage AI-powered neurotechnology applications.
The EGE is an independent multidisciplinary body that provides ethical advice to the European Commission.
Add Comment