The introduction of neurotechnology, particularly when combined with AI, could have severe ethical and societal consequences for humanity. In my talk I will review the proposal that was made by the Morningside Group in 2017 to introduce five new Human Rights into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1). These rights ("NeuroRights) will protect mental privacy, personal identity, personal agency, equal access to cognitive augmentation and protection from algorithmic biases. I will also review our earlier proposal to follow a medical model, introducing a "Technocratic Oath" as a deontology in the neurotech and data industry and using existing societal mechanisms similar to those already implemented in the medical industry to regulate future development of Neurotech and AI (2). Finally, I will discuss current advocacy efforts for NeuroRights in the US and different countries, including Chile’s recent NeuroRights constitutional amendment and bill of law.

BIO:

Rafael Yuste, M.D., Ph.D, is a neuroscientist that studies the cerebral cortex at Columbia University, where he is Professor of Biological Sciences and Director of the Neurotechnology Center. He led the researchers who proposed the US BRAIN Initiative, and coordinated the launch of the International BRAIN Initiative. He has obtained awards for his research from the Mayor of New York City, the Society for Neuroscience and the Director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. He shared the Tällberg/Eliasson Global Leadership Prize in 2018 for his science and ethics advocacy work.

About this Lecture
Lectures of Opportunity offers U.S. Naval War College (NWC) students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to learn more about national and international socio-political subjects that may be of relevance to the NWC community.