Issued2025-11

Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology

ReccomendationInternational

Summary

UNESCO’s first global standard-setting instrument on the ethics of neurotechnology, setting principles for governing brain–computer interfaces, neural data, and neurostimulation in line with human rights.

Healthcare Implications

Guides countries to treat neural data as highly sensitive health data, regulate clinical and consumer neurotechnology (including AI-driven brain–computer interfaces), and protect mental privacy, autonomy, and equity in neurotechnology-based care and research.

Impact Level

Medium

Keywords

Safety & Risk; Privacy & Data; Equity & Bias; Transparency & Governance

Stakeholders

Patients & Public; Providers & Health Systems; Developers & Vendors; Regulators & Government