Experts call for a new approach to Neuro-AI governance

Today, the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) has released its new Statement, Governing Neuro-AI: Towards an Infrastructure Approach.

Neurotechnology and artificial intelligence are increasingly converging as neurodata can be collected, combined and reused to develop AI models and applications across different contexts. This creates opportunities for healthcare, rehabilitation and scientific research, but also raises important questions for fundamental rights, democratic accountability and the public interest.

In this context, the EGE calls for a systemic and anticipatory approach to governing neuro-AI. The Statement shifts the focus from individual devices and neurodata privacy to the wider impacts of the infrastructures through which neurodata are collected, processed and reused. It also addresses questions of European technological sovereignty and public-interest infrastructures.

The EGE recommends:

1. Robust protection of neurodata: define and reinforce protections for neurodata and neurodata-derived inferences under EU data protection law
2. Responsible development of neuro-AI technologies: ensure possible development of Brain Foundation Models and related neuro-AI infrastructures
3. Strong Rights protection: ensure that individuals are protected against disproportionate control where neurodata and neurodata-derived data inferences are used in consequential contexts
4. Enhanced governance capacity: build European public-interest governance capacity for neuro-AI infrastructures
5. Comprehensive fitness check: conduct a targeted regulatory assessment of the EU framework governing neuro-AI systems

Background

Neuro-AI Infrastructures are interconnected systems through which neurodata are collected, processed and reused to create, deploy and manage AI-powered neurotechnology applications.

The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) is an independent, multi-disciplinary body of experts providing ethical advice, and its secretariat within the EC.

It is part of the Ethics Advice Mechanism (EthAM), which provides the European Commission (EC) with high quality, independent advice on all aspects of EU legislation and policies, where ethical, societal and fundamental rights issues intersect with the development of science and new technologies.

More information

Statement: Governing Neuro-AI: Towards an Infrastructure Approach