Brain Hacking? How Neurorights Protect Your Mind

Introduction

In the 21st century, we live in an era where even our thoughts can be monitored. With advancements in technologies such as brainwave measurement, emotion-predicting AI, and brain-computer interfaces (BCI), the concern that someone could peer into our minds and manipulate us is becoming a reality. This has led to the emergence of the concept of 'neurorights.' Neurorights represent a new declaration of rights aimed at protecting our mental freedoms and identities, and they lie at the core of ethical and legal debates related to the brain.

Why is neurocurrency necessary?

In recent years, brain data has been regarded as a valuable resource. Companies analyze consumers' hidden thoughts for advertising, and governments seek to assess people's honesty through brain waves. BCI technology can yield positive outcomes in fields like medicine, education, and security, but it also poses risks of infringing on our thoughts and emotions. The problem is that such technology can be used without our consent, potentially processing unconscious responses or hidden memories as data. In the past, freedom of expression and privacy were important, but now the "right to think," or the freedom of the mind itself, is under threat.

What does neuro property protect?

Neurorights are rights that protect our brain from external intrusions and safeguard our mental freedom. - Cognitive Liberty: I decide my thoughts! It means the freedom to think and judge independently without external coercive intervention. - Mental Privacy: My mind is my own space! It is the right to prevent others from analyzing my brain activity to uncover my thoughts or emotions. - Mental Integrity: My mind is precious! It is the right to protect my identity, memories, and emotions from distortion due to external technologies. - Psychological Continuity: I remain unchanged over time! It is the right to maintain a consistent sense of self from the past through the present to the future. These concepts are not merely ethical claims but essential conditions for preserving human dignity in a society where technology has advanced.

How can neuro rights be protected by law?

Chile became the first country in the world in 2021 to enshrine 'freedom of the brain' in its constitution. This legally clarifies that access to and usage of brain data must be based on the individual's consent. International organizations such as the OECD, UNESCO, and IEEE are also developing guidelines on neuroethics, and some states in the United States are discussing legislation related to the protection of brain data. However, the debate over whether neuro rights can be recognized as independent human rights continues. Some argue that existing rights to privacy or bodily autonomy are sufficient, while others contend that in a situation where technology penetrates into the human psyche, a new order of rights is needed.

What choice should we make?

Neuro-rights are not just a matter of technological regulation but an effort to protect the dignity of the human mind. They represent a resistance against the attempt to view humans merely as data entities and can serve as the last line of defense for our identity and thoughts. However, establishing neuro-rights as law requires collaboration among philosophers, scientists, legal experts, and civil society. Technology has already penetrated deeply into our minds, and the choices we make now will shape the thoughts and lives of future generations. Neuro-rights are not simply new rights they pose the question of what we, as humans, will choose to protect. If we do not answer this question, we risk losing even our freedom to think.