Privacy and brain-computer interfaces

Abstract

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) interpret neural activity, applying it to the control of external devices. As BCIs approach market viability, ethical implications come under consideration. This paper identifies potential privacy disruptions. BCI literature is reviewed in order to identify a BCI typology likely to support a privacy analysis. The typology describes the active, reactive, passive and hybrid types of BCI and, where possible, includes examples that are further classified as existing, prospective or speculative. A review of privacy theory supports an analysis that juxtaposes privacy theory and BCI technologies. The analysis finds that while all four types of BCI have potential for disrupting privacy, disruptions are more likely to arise from the use of reactive, passive and hybrid BCIs. Limitations and directions for future research close the paper.

Preface Ethics in the Cyber Age and exploring emerging themes and relationships between ethics, governance and emerging technologies

“…He has served as a Chair of Information Systems, then was a Professor of Cyber Security at Deakin University, before moving to his current role at RMIT as a Professor of Cyber Security. In her research, Dr Wahlstrom considers the ways in which emerging technologies disrupt social constructs, most recently with a focus on privacy and Brain-Computer Interfaces Wahlstrom, Fairweather, & Ashman, 2016Wahlstrom, Fairweather, Ashman, & Istance, 2013). She serves as the Vice Chair of the Ethics Committee of the Australian Computer Society and she organises the 2020 AiCE conference, to be held at the University of South Australia.…”