U.S. Public Perceptions of the Sensitivity of Brain Data

Overview

Authors: Huang, S., Paul, U., Gupta, S., Desai, K., Guo, M., Jung, J., Capestany, B. H., Krenzer, W. D., Stonecipher, D., Farahany, N. A.

Publication Date: 16 July 2025

Link: https://academic.oup.com/jlb/article/11/1/lsad032/7577652?login=false

Keywords: Bioethics, data privacy, neurotechnologies brain data governance, public perceptions

Type: Peer-Reviewed Journals/White Papers

Summary

This article addresses the emerging concerns surrounding data privacy in consumer neurotechnology. Through a nationwide survey, it examines public perceptions of brain data to contribute empirical evidence to discussions on law and policy regarding brain data governance. The survey findings suggest that the public may view certain brain data as less sensitive than traditional private information like social security numbers but more sensitive than some public information such as media preferences. Additionally, not all inferences about mental experiences are perceived equally sensitive, indicating a nuanced approach is needed in ethical and policy discussions. Enhanced understanding of public perceptions regarding brain data can inform the development of ethical and legal norms concerning consumer neurotechnology, bridging the gap between societal expectations and regulatory frameworks.