We engage the United Nations, regional organizations, national governments, companies, entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, and the public at large to raise awareness about the human rights and ethical implications of neurotechnology.

OUR STORY BEINGS IN 2017

OUR STORY

MORNINGSIDE GROUP - COLUMBIA WORKSHOP

An intensive three-day workshop at Columbia University brought together academic leaders to discuss ethical concerns of neurotechnology and machine intelligence. From the workshop emerged a new approach to neurotechnology governance, called "neurorights."

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S NEURORIGHTS INITIATIVE

The NRI was founded two years later at Columbia University, to serve as an advocacy organization for human rights directives, and to develop further ethical guidance for neurotechnological innovation.

FORMATION OF THE NEURORIGHTS FOUNDATION

The Neurorights Foundation was founded, incorporating NRI into it.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IN CHILE PROTECTS BRAIN ACTIVITY

A historic moment for neurorights as a constitutional amendment in Chile protects brain activity and information. This was unanimously approved by all deputies in both chambers, along with the approval of the neurorights bill by the senate.

FILMING OF THE WERNER HERZOG FILM

NRF worked with the renowned documentary filmmaker who will be launching a filming on neurotechnology and human rights at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

CREATION OF OF NEUROAGE

Launch of our new media property and magazine, “NeuroAge.”

Frameworks to inform neurotechnology policy 

Neurorights Protection

The Neurorights Foundation’s first goal is to protect the human rights of all people from the potential misuse or abuse of neurotechnology.

We are working to incorporate five specific Neurorights into international human rights law, national legal and regulatory frameworks, and ethical guidelines. Note that we do not advocate for the creation of new human rights: the neurorights approach involves further interpreting and clarifying human rights law, and amending existing laws.

The Five Neurorights

  • Mental Privacy

    Individuals must have the ability to keep data about their mental activity protected from unwanted disclosure.

  • Personal Identity

    Individuals must have the ability to control their mental integrity and sense of self.

  • Free Will

    Individuals must have freedom of thought and free will to choose their own actions.

  • Fair Access to Mental Augmentation

    There should be established guidelines at both international and national levels ensuring that the benefits of neurotechnology are distributed justly and equitably.

  • Protection from Bias

    Individuals must have protection from potential biases inserted or amplified by technologies.

Technocratic Oath

The NeuroRights Foundation’s second goal is to pre-empt and reduce the risk of the misuse or abuse of neurotechnology.

We are drafting an ethical framework for entrepreneurs, scientists, companies, and investors, and others developing neurotechnology called the Technocratic Oath. Much as doctors must follow the Hippocratic oath, those who develop and administer neurotechnology would be urged to support the “technocratic oath.”