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Neurotechnology And Human Rights: The Role of Law and The Ethical Boundaries of Scientific Progress

  • Dec 16, 2025
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Abstract Book of the 9th World Conference on Social Sciences

Year: 2025

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Neurotechnology And Human Rights: The Role of Law and The Ethical Boundaries of Scientific Progress

Irene Perperidou

ABSTRACT:

The rapid advancement of neurotechnology—ranging from brain-computer interfaces to neuroimaging and cognitive monitoring—poses unprecedented challenges for the legal protection of fundamental human rights. As scientific innovations increasingly allow access to the inner workings of the human brain, concerns arise over the adequacy of existing legal frameworks to safeguard mental privacy, autonomy, and dignity. This paper examines the complex intersection between scientific progress and human rights, with a focus on the legal and ethical imperatives for regulating neurotechnological research and applications.
Through an interdisciplinary lens, the study explores whether current principles of informed consent are sufficient in a context where the boundaries between thought and data blur. It argues for the establishment of new legal categories—such as the right to cognitive liberty and mental integrity—that recognize the unique vulnerabilities of the human mind in the age of neurotechnology. In addition, the paper highlights the critical role of independent oversight bodies in supervising neurotechnology experiments and preventing misuse by state or corporate actors.
Drawing from emerging international initiatives, including proposals for a “NeuroRights” framework, the research advocates for the adoption of enforceable standards at both national and transnational levels. It concludes that law must not only react to scientific change but anticipate and shape its trajectory, ensuring that technological advancement remains aligned with the values of democracy, consent, and human dignity. This contribution seeks to ignite a legal and ethical dialogue about how to defend the sanctity of the human mind in the 21st century.

Keywords: Neurotechnology, Human Rights, Cognitive Liberty, Informed Consent, Mental Privacy