Understanding the Ethical Issues of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): A Blessing or the Beginning of

Overview

Authors: Efstratios Livanis, Polychronis Voultsos, Konstantinos Vadikolias, Panagiotis Pantazakos, Alexandra Tsaroucha

Publication Date: 14 April 2024

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11091939/

Keywords: brain computer interface (bci), brain-machine interface, neuroethics, ethics of bci

Type: Peer-Reviewed Journals/White Papers

Summary

Recent advancements in neuroscience and artificial intelligence have driven the development of various neurotechnologies, including neuroimaging systems, neurostimulators, and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Initially designed for medical use, BCIs are now being applied across diverse fields such as entertainment, marketing, education, and defense. This paper presents a literature review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, examining ethical issues surrounding BCI use. Key concerns identified include human dignity, autonomy, user safety, stigma, privacy, security, responsibility, research ethics, and social justice, such as equitable access to technology. Two unique findings emerged: nuances in empirical research on BCI ethics and the impact of BCIs on international relations. The study underscores the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure ethical BCI development and proposes recommendations. While bioethics principles provide a foundational framework, they must be revised to address the unique challenges posed by BCIs in the context of artificial intelligence.