Research on the ethical risks and ethical review of brain-computer interfaces

doi:10.12267/j.issn.2096-5931.2025.03.002

Information and Communications Technology and Policy ›› 2025, Vol. 51 ›› Issue (3): 11-15.doi: 10.12267/j.issn.2096-5931.2025.03.002

Previous Articles Next Articles

Research on the ethical risks and ethical review of brain-computer interfaces

FU Na, ZHOU Jie

Intellectual Property and Innovation Development Center, China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, Beijing 100191, China

Received:2025-02-24 Online:2025-03-25 Published:2025-04-02

Abstract

Abstract:

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology enables human-computer interaction by directly connecting the brain with external devices, and has recently demonstrated extensive application scenarios in healthcare, education, industry, and other fields. While significantly improving patients’ quality of life, BCI technology also raises a series of ethical concerns. Firstly, this paper introduces the development history and application domains of BCI technology. Secondly, it analyzes the ethical risks brought by BCI technology from individual, societal, and moral perspectives, summarizing the influencing factors of these risks from technical and human aspects. Thirdly, it outlines the characteristics of ethical issues in BCI technology and reviews the ethical requirements for BCIs in China. Finally, it proposes considerations for ethical review in BCI technology.

Key words: BCI, ethical risks, science and technology ethics review

CLC Number:

D920.1

FU Na, ZHOU Jie. Research on the ethical risks and ethical review of brain-computer interfaces[J]. Information and Communications Technology and Policy, 2025, 51(3): 11-15.

Add to citation manager EndNote|Ris|BibTeX

URL:

http://ictp.caict.ac.cn/EN/10.12267/j.issn.2096-5931.2025.03.002

http://ictp.caict.ac.cn/EN/Y2025/V51/I3/11

References 10

[1]	VIDAL J J. Toward direct brain-computer communication[J]. Annual Review of Biophysics, 1973, 2(1):157-180.
[2]	崔中良, 朱晨恩. 当前我国脑机接口技术的伦理进展与治理应对[J/OL]. 中国医学伦理学. (2024-09-09)[2025-02-01]. https://link.cnki.net/urlid/61.1203.R.20240906.1704.002
[3]	张童阔. 从责任伦理视角反思脑机接口的伦理问题[J]. 科技管理研究, 2024, 44(16):225-231.
[4]	杨雨, 王国豫. 归责与规范:基于主动式脑机接口的道德责任层级研究[J]. 科学与社会, 2024, 14(3):26-40.
[5]	STEINERT S, BUBLITZ C, JOX R, et al. Doing things with thoughts: brain-computer interfaces and disembodied agency[J]. Philosophy & Technology, 2019, 32(3): 460-461.
[6]	中国信息通信研究院. 脑机接口技术发展与应用研究报告(2023年)[R], 2023.
[7]	万礼洋, 易显飞. 脑机接口技术的伦理问题及治理对策探析[J]. 佛山科学技术学院学报:社会科学版, 2021, 39(3):46-52.
[8]	MATTHIAS A. The responsibility gap: ascribing responsibility for the actions of learning automata[J]. Ethics and Information Technology, 2004, 6(3):175-183.
[9]	肖峰. 脑机接口与知行合一新形态[J]. 学术界, 2022(8):70-79.
[10]	徐明. 脑机接口技术的伦理挑战及其理性规制研究[J]. 信息通信技术与政策, 2024, 50(5):54-59.

Research on the ethical risks and ethical review of brain-computer interfaces

RichHTML

PDF

Knowledge

Abstract

Cite this article

share this article

References 10

Related Articles 6

Recommended Articles

Metrics

Comments

[1]	LIU Yongbo, ZHANG Hongxin, YANG Chen. Design and implementation of brain-computer interface teaching system based on distributed architecture [J]. Information and Communications Technology and Policy, 2025, 51(3): 2-10.
[2]	FAN Xuemei, MAN Jianzhi, ZHANG Hui, LONG Shanli, SUN Guangyu. Research on motor imagery brain-computer interface rehabilitation training method incorporating attention assessment and feedback [J]. Information and Communications Technology and Policy, 2025, 51(3): 25-35.
[3]	ZHOU Jie, CHENG Liwei. Global brain computer interface technology and industry development trends [J]. Information and Communications Technology and Policy, 2025, 51(3): 53-58.
[4]	DONG Yue, LIU Ke, WANG Tao. Application of brain-computer interface based on hybrid modalities: a new direction in neural rehabilitation [J]. Information and Communications Technology and Policy, 2024, 50(5): 41-46.
[5]	XU Ming. Research on ethical challenges and rational regulation of brain-computer interface technology [J]. Information and Communications Technology and Policy, 2024, 50(5): 54-59.
[6]	LIANG Liyan, KONG Shuyi, ZHANG Qian, CHENG Liwei, ZHOU Jie, SUN Yike. Exploration and research on paradigm, algorithm, as well as encoding and decoding concepts of brain-computer interface [J]. Information and Communications Technology and Policy, 2024, 50(5): 61-70.