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Livanis E, Voultsos P, Vadikolias K, Pantazakos P, Tsaroucha A. Understanding the Ethical Issues of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): A Blessing or the Beginning of a Dystopian Future? Cureus 2024; 16:e58243. [PMID: 38745805 PMCID: PMC11091939 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, scientific discoveries in the field of neuroscience combined with developments in the field of artificial intelligence have led to the development of a range of neurotechnologies. Advances in neuroimaging systems, neurostimulators, and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are leading to new ways of enhancing, controlling, and "reading" the brain. In addition, although BCIs were developed and used primarily in the medical field, they are now increasingly applied in other fields (entertainment, marketing, education, defense industry). We conducted a literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to provide background information about ethical issues related to the use of BCIs. Among the ethical issues that emerged from the thematic data analysis of the reviewed studies included questions revolving around human dignity, personhood and autonomy, user safety, stigma and discrimination, privacy and security, responsibility, research ethics, and social justice (including access to this technology). This paper attempts to address the various aspects of these concerns. A variety of distinct ethical issues were identified, which, for the most part, were in line with the findings of prior research. However, we identified two nuances, which are related to the empirical research on ethical issues related to BCIs and the impact of BCIs on international relationships. The paper also highlights the need for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the ethical development and use of this technology and concludes with several recommendations. The principles of bioethics provide an initial guiding framework, which, however, should be revised in the current artificial intelligence landscape so as to be responsive to challenges posed by the development and use of BCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios Livanis
- Department of Accounting and Finance, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, GRC
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
| | - Polychronis Voultsos
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (Medical Law and Ethics) School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
| | - Konstantinos Vadikolias
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupoli, GRC
| | - Panagiotis Pantazakos
- Department of Philosophy, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GRC
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
| | - Alexandra Tsaroucha
- Postgraduate Program on Bioethics, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, GRC
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Boulingre M, Portillo-Lara R, Green RA. Biohybrid neural interfaces: improving the biological integration of neural implants. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:14745-14758. [PMID: 37991846 PMCID: PMC10720954 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc05006h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Implantable neural interfaces (NIs) have emerged in the clinic as outstanding tools for the management of a variety of neurological conditions caused by trauma or disease. However, the foreign body reaction triggered upon implantation remains one of the major challenges hindering the safety and longevity of NIs. The integration of tools and principles from biomaterial design and tissue engineering has been investigated as a promising strategy to develop NIs with enhanced functionality and performance. In this Feature Article, we highlight the main bioengineering approaches for the development of biohybrid NIs with an emphasis on relevant device design criteria. Technical and scientific challenges associated with the fabrication and functional assessment of technologies composed of both artificial and biological components are discussed. Lastly, we provide future perspectives related to engineering, regulatory, and neuroethical challenges to be addressed towards the realisation of the promise of biohybrid neurotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolaine Boulingre
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Roberto Portillo-Lara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Rylie A Green
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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Yadav H, Maini S. Electroencephalogram based brain-computer interface: Applications, challenges, and opportunities. MULTIMEDIA TOOLS AND APPLICATIONS 2023:1-45. [PMID: 37362726 PMCID: PMC10157593 DOI: 10.1007/s11042-023-15653-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) is an exciting and emerging research area for researchers and scientists. It is a suitable combination of software and hardware to operate any device mentally. This review emphasizes the significant stages in the BCI domain, current problems, and state-of-the-art findings. This article also covers how current results can contribute to new knowledge about BCI, an overview of BCI from its early developments to recent advancements, BCI applications, challenges, and future directions. The authors pointed to unresolved issues and expressed how BCI is valuable for analyzing the human brain. Humans' dependence on machines has led humankind into a new future where BCI can play an essential role in improving this modern world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitesh Yadav
- Department of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology, Longowal, Punjab India
| | - Surita Maini
- Department of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology, Longowal, Punjab India
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Proverbio AM, Tacchini M, Jiang K. What do you have in mind? ERP markers of visual and auditory imagery. Brain Cogn 2023; 166:105954. [PMID: 36657242 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the psychophysiological markers of imagery processes through EEG/ERP recordings. Visual and auditory stimuli representing 10 different semantic categories were shown to 30 healthy participants. After a given interval and prompted by a light signal, participants were asked to activate a mental image corresponding to the semantic category for recording synchronized electrical potentials. Unprecedented electrophysiological markers of imagination were recorded in the absence of sensory stimulation. The following peaks were identified at specific scalp sites and latencies, during imagination of infants (centroparietal positivity, CPP, and late CPP), human faces (anterior negativity, AN), animals (anterior positivity, AP), music (P300-like), speech (N400-like), affective vocalizations (P2-like) and sensory (visual vs auditory) modality (PN300). Overall, perception and imagery conditions shared some common electro/cortical markers, but during imagery the category-dependent modulation of ERPs was long latency and more anterior, with respect to the perceptual condition. These ERP markers might be precious tools for BCI systems (pattern recognition, classification, or A.I. algorithms) applied to patients affected by consciousness disorders (e.g., in a vegetative or comatose state) or locked-in-patients (e.g., spinal or SLA patients).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mado Proverbio
- Cognitive Electrophysiology lab, Dept. of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy.
| | - Marta Tacchini
- Cognitive Electrophysiology lab, Dept. of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Kaijun Jiang
- Cognitive Electrophysiology lab, Dept. of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy; Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
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Proverbio AM, Tacchini M, Jiang K. Event-related brain potential markers of visual and auditory perception: A useful tool for brain computer interface systems. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1025870. [PMID: 36523756 PMCID: PMC9744781 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1025870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A majority of BCI systems, enabling communication with patients with locked-in syndrome, are based on electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency analysis (e.g., linked to motor imagery) or P300 detection. Only recently, the use of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) has received much attention, especially for face or music recognition, but neuro-engineering research into this new approach has not been carried out yet. The aim of this study was to provide a variety of reliable ERP markers of visual and auditory perception for the development of new and more complex mind-reading systems for reconstructing the mental content from brain activity. METHODS A total of 30 participants were shown 280 color pictures (adult, infant, and animal faces; human bodies; written words; checkerboards; and objects) and 120 auditory files (speech, music, and affective vocalizations). This paradigm did not involve target selection to avoid artifactual waves linked to decision-making and response preparation (e.g., P300 and motor potentials), masking the neural signature of semantic representation. Overall, 12,000 ERP waveforms × 126 electrode channels (1 million 512,000 ERP waveforms) were processed and artifact-rejected. RESULTS Clear and distinct category-dependent markers of perceptual and cognitive processing were identified through statistical analyses, some of which were novel to the literature. Results are discussed from the view of current knowledge of ERP functional properties and with respect to machine learning classification methods previously applied to similar data. CONCLUSION The data showed a high level of accuracy (p ≤ 0.01) in the discriminating the perceptual categories eliciting the various electrical potentials by statistical analyses. Therefore, the ERP markers identified in this study could be significant tools for optimizing BCI systems [pattern recognition or artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms] applied to EEG/ERP signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Mado Proverbio
- Laboratory of Cognitive Electrophysiology, Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Tacchini
- Laboratory of Cognitive Electrophysiology, Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Kaijun Jiang
- Laboratory of Cognitive Electrophysiology, Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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van Velthoven EAM, van Stuijvenberg OC, Haselager DRE, Broekman M, Chen X, Roelfsema P, Bredenoord AL, Jongsma KR. Ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses-a systematic review. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 35475424 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac65b2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The aim of this review was to systematically identify the ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses.Approach. A systematic search was performed in both PubMed and Embase using a search string that combined synonyms for visual neuroprostheses, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), cochlear implants (CIs), and ethics. We chose to include literature on BCIs and CIs, because of their ethically relavant similarities and functional parallels with visual neuroprostheses.Main results. We included 84 articles in total. Six focused specifically on visual prostheses. The other articles focused more broadly on neurotechnologies, on BCIs or CIs. We identified 169 ethical implications that have been categorized under seven main themes: (a) benefits for health and well-being; (b) harm and risk; (c) autonomy; (d) societal effects; (e) clinical research; (f) regulation and governance; and (g) involvement of experts, patients and the public.Significance. The development and clinical use of visual neuroprostheses is accompanied by ethical issues that should be considered early in the technological development process. Though there is ample literature on the ethical implications of other types of neuroprostheses, such as motor neuroprostheses and CIs, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the ethical implications of visual neuroprostheses. Our findings can serve as a starting point for further research and normative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A M van Velthoven
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - O C van Stuijvenberg
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - D R E Haselager
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
| | - M Broekman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - X Chen
- Department of Vision & Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Roelfsema
- Department of Vision & Cognition, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A L Bredenoord
- Erasmus School of Philosophy, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K R Jongsma
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
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Martini M, Kemper C. [Cybersecurity of brain-computer interfaces]. INTERNATIONAL CYBERSECURITY LAW REVIEW 2022; 3:191-243. [PMID: 37521509 PMCID: PMC8929247 DOI: 10.1365/s43439-022-00046-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Brain-computer interfaces inspire visions of superhuman powers, enabling users to control protheses and other devices solely with their thoughts. But the rapid development and commercialization of this technology also brings security risks. Attacks on brain-computer interfaces may cause harrowing consequences for users, from eavesdropping on neurological data to manipulating brain activity. At present, data protection law, the regulation of medical devices, and the new rules on the sale of goods with digital elements all govern aspects of cybersecurity. There are, nevertheless, significant gaps. The article analyzes how the legal system currently addresses the risks of cyberattacks on brain-computer interfaces-and how policymakers could address such risks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Martini
- Deutsche Universität für Verwaltungswissenschaften (DUV), Speyer, Deutschland
- Deutsches Forschungsinstitut für öffentliche Verwaltung (FÖV), Speyer, Deutschland
| | - Carolin Kemper
- Deutsches Forschungsinstitut für öffentliche Verwaltung (FÖV), Speyer, Deutschland
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Yan W, Liu X, Shan B, Zhang X, Pu Y. Research on the Emotions Based on Brain -Computer Technology: A Bibliometric Analysis and Research Agenda. Front Psychol 2021; 12:771591. [PMID: 34790157 PMCID: PMC8591067 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.771591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study conducts a scientific analysis of 249 literature on the application of brain-computer technology in emotion research. We find that existing researches mainly focus on engineering, computer science, neurosciences neurology and psychology. PR China, United States, and Germany have the largest number of publications. Authors can be divided into four groups: real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) research group, brain-computer interface (BCI) impact factors analysis group, brain-computer music interfacing (BCMI) group, and user status research group. Clustering results can be divided into five categories, including external stimulus and event-related potential (ERP), electroencephalography (EEG), and information collection, support vector machine (SVM) and information processing, deep learning and emotion recognition, neurofeedback, and self-regulation. Based on prior researches, this study points out that individual differences, privacy risk, the extended study of BCI application scenarios and others deserve further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- School of Management, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoju Liu
- School of Management, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Biaoan Shan
- School of Management, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Yi Pu
- School of Management, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Núñez-Corrales S, Jakobsson E. Entropic boundary conditions towards safe artificial superintelligence. J EXP THEOR ARTIF IN 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/0952813x.2021.1952653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Núñez-Corrales
- Illinois Informatics and National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL, USA
| | - Eric Jakobsson
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and National Center for Supercomputing Applications, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL, USA
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Saha S, Mamun KA, Ahmed K, Mostafa R, Naik GR, Darvishi S, Khandoker AH, Baumert M. Progress in Brain Computer Interface: Challenges and Opportunities. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:578875. [PMID: 33716680 PMCID: PMC7947348 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.578875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain computer interfaces (BCI) provide a direct communication link between the brain and a computer or other external devices. They offer an extended degree of freedom either by strengthening or by substituting human peripheral working capacity and have potential applications in various fields such as rehabilitation, affective computing, robotics, gaming, and neuroscience. Significant research efforts on a global scale have delivered common platforms for technology standardization and help tackle highly complex and non-linear brain dynamics and related feature extraction and classification challenges. Time-variant psycho-neurophysiological fluctuations and their impact on brain signals impose another challenge for BCI researchers to transform the technology from laboratory experiments to plug-and-play daily life. This review summarizes state-of-the-art progress in the BCI field over the last decades and highlights critical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simanto Saha
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, United International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Khondaker A. Mamun
- Advanced Intelligent Multidisciplinary Systems (AIMS) Lab, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, United International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Khawza Ahmed
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, United International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Raqibul Mostafa
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, United International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ganesh R. Naik
- Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sam Darvishi
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ahsan H. Khandoker
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mathias Baumert
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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DeFranco J, Rhemann M, Giordano J. The Emerging Neurobioeconomy: Implications for National Security. Health Secur 2020; 18:267-277. [PMID: 32816585 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2020.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroscience and neurotechnology (neuroS/T) are techniques and tools used to assess or affect the nervous system. Current and near-future developments are enabling an expanding palette of capabilities to understand and influence brain functions that can foster wellbeing and economic growth. This "neurobioeconomy" is rapidly growing, attributable in large part to the global dissemination of knowledge that fosters and contributes to scientific innovation, invention, and commercialization. As a result, several countries have initiated programs in brain research and innovation. Not all brain sciences engender security concerns, but a predominance in global biomedical, bioengineering, wellness/lifestyle, and defense markets enables considerable power. Such power can be leveraged in nonkinetic or kinetic domains, and several countries have identified neuroS/T as viable and of growing value for use in warfare, intelligence, and national security operations. In addition to the current focus on biotechnology, the United States and its allies must acknowledge the significance of brain science and its projected impact on the economy, national security, and lifestyles. In this article, we examine growth of the neuroS/T market, discuss how the neurobioeconomy poses distinct ethical and security issues for the broader bioeconomy, provide examples of such issues that arise from specific nation-state activity and technological commercialization, and propose a risk assessment and mitigation approach that can be engaged by the economic, scientific, and security communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph DeFranco
- Joseph DeFranco, MS, is a Graduate Fellow, Program in Biodefense, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, VA. Maureen Rhemann, PhD, is a Visiting Scholar, O'Neill-Pellegrino Program in Brain Science, Global Law and Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC. James Giordano, PhD, MPhil, is Professor, Departments of Neurology and Biochemistry, and Chief, Neuroethics Studies Program, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC; and a Senior Fellow, Project in Biosecurity, Technology, and Ethics, US Naval War College, Newport, RI
| | - Maureen Rhemann
- Joseph DeFranco, MS, is a Graduate Fellow, Program in Biodefense, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, VA. Maureen Rhemann, PhD, is a Visiting Scholar, O'Neill-Pellegrino Program in Brain Science, Global Law and Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC. James Giordano, PhD, MPhil, is Professor, Departments of Neurology and Biochemistry, and Chief, Neuroethics Studies Program, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC; and a Senior Fellow, Project in Biosecurity, Technology, and Ethics, US Naval War College, Newport, RI
| | - James Giordano
- Joseph DeFranco, MS, is a Graduate Fellow, Program in Biodefense, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, VA. Maureen Rhemann, PhD, is a Visiting Scholar, O'Neill-Pellegrino Program in Brain Science, Global Law and Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC. James Giordano, PhD, MPhil, is Professor, Departments of Neurology and Biochemistry, and Chief, Neuroethics Studies Program, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC; and a Senior Fellow, Project in Biosecurity, Technology, and Ethics, US Naval War College, Newport, RI
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Steinert S, Friedrich O. Wired Emotions: Ethical Issues of Affective Brain-Computer Interfaces. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2020; 26:351-367. [PMID: 30868377 PMCID: PMC6978299 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-019-00087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Ethical issues concerning brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have already received a considerable amount of attention. However, one particular form of BCI has not received the attention that it deserves: Affective BCIs that allow for the detection and stimulation of affective states. This paper brings the ethical issues of affective BCIs in sharper focus. The paper briefly reviews recent applications of affective BCIs and considers ethical issues that arise from these applications. Ethical issues that affective BCIs share with other neurotechnologies are presented and ethical concerns that are specific to affective BCIs are identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Steinert
- Department of Values, Technology and Innovation, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Orsolya Friedrich
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Lessingstr. 2, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Klein E. Ethics and the emergence of brain-computer interface medicine. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 168:329-339. [PMID: 32164863 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63934-9.00024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology will usher in profound changes to the practice of medicine. BCI devices, broadly defined as those capable of reading brain activity and translating this into operation of a device, will offer patients and clinicians new ways to address impairments of communication, movement, sensation, and mental health. These new capabilities will bring new responsibilities and raise a diverse set of ethical challenges. One way to understand and begin to address these challenges is to view them in terms of the goals of medicine. In this chapter, different ways in which BCI technology may subserve the goals of medicine is explored. This is followed by articulation of additional goals particularly relevant to BCI technology: neural diversity, neural privacy, agency, and authenticity. The goals of medicine provide a useful ethical framework for the introduction of BCI devices into medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Klein
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States; Department of Philosophy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
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Gauttier S. Enhancing oneself with an exosense: Learning from users' experiences. HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/hbe2.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Gaspar R, Rohde P, Giger J. Unconventional settings and uses of human enhancement technologies: A non‐systematic review of public and experts' views on self‐enhancement and DIY biology/biohacking risks. HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/hbe2.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gaspar
- Universidade Católica PortuguesaFaculdade de Ciências Humanas, Catolica Research Centre for Psychological, Family and Social Wellbeing (CRC‐W) Lisbon Portugal
| | - Paul Rohde
- Universidade Católica PortuguesaFaculdade de Ciências Humanas, Centre for Research in Communication and Culture (CECC) Lisbon Portugal
| | - Jean‐Christophe Giger
- University of Algarve Faro Portugal
- Centre for Research in Psychology – CIP‐UAL Lisbon Portugal
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Thompson K. Committing Crimes with BCIs: How Brain-Computer Interface Users can Satisfy Actus Reus and be Criminally Responsible. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-019-09416-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gilbert F, Cook M, O’Brien T, Illes J. Embodiment and Estrangement: Results from a First-in-Human "Intelligent BCI" Trial. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2019; 25:83-96. [PMID: 29129011 PMCID: PMC6418065 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-017-0001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
While new generations of implantable brain computer interface (BCI) devices are being developed, evidence in the literature about their impact on the patient experience is lagging. In this article, we address this knowledge gap by analysing data from the first-in-human clinical trial to study patients with implanted BCI advisory devices. We explored perceptions of self-change across six patients who volunteered to be implanted with artificially intelligent BCI devices. We used qualitative methodological tools grounded in phenomenology to conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results show that, on the one hand, BCIs can positively increase a sense of the self and control; on the other hand, they can induce radical distress, feelings of loss of control, and a rupture of patient identity. We conclude by offering suggestions for the proactive creation of preparedness protocols specific to intelligent-predictive and advisory-BCI technologies essential to prevent potential iatrogenic harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Gilbert
- Centre for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering, Department of Philosophy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
- National Core for Neuroethics, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC USA
- Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - M. Cook
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - T. O’Brien
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - J. Illes
- National Core for Neuroethics, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC USA
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Abstract
An integrated and principled neuroethics offers ethical guidelines able to transcend conventional and medical reliance on normality standards. Elsewhere we have proposed four principles for wise guidance on human transformations. Principles like these are already urgently needed, as bio- and cyberenhancements are rapidly emerging. Context matters. Neither "treatments" nor "enhancements" are objectively identifiable apart from performance expectations, social contexts, and civic orders. Lessons learned from disability studies about enablement and inclusion suggest a fresh way to categorize modifications to the body and its performance. The term "enhancement" should be broken apart to permit recognition of enablements and augmentations, and kinds of radical augmentation for specialized performance. Augmentations affecting the self, self-worth, and self-identity of persons require heightened ethical scrutiny. Reversibility becomes the core problem, not the easy answer, as augmented persons may not cooperate with either decommissioning or displacement into unaccommodating societies. We conclude by indicating how our four principles of self-creativity, nonobsolescence, empowerment, and citizenship establish a neuroethics beyond normal that is better prepared for a future in which humans and their societies are going so far beyond normal.
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Jebari K, Hansson SO. European public deliberation on brain machine interface technology: five convergence seminars. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2013; 19:1071-1086. [PMID: 23263902 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-012-9425-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We present a novel procedure to engage the public in ethical deliberations on the potential impacts of brain machine interface technology. We call this procedure a convergence seminar, a form of scenario-based group discussion that is founded on the idea of hypothetical retrospection. The theoretical background of this procedure and the results of five seminars are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Jebari
- Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Clausen J. Bonding Brains to Machines: Ethical Implications of Electroceuticals for the Human Brain. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-013-9186-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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