Stay out of my brain: Timo Istace about neuroscience and privacy
A device that can influence the mental processes in your brain: this is no longer science fiction. The development of neurotechnology has made an enormous progression in recent years, but this does not come without risks. Timo Istace, doctoral researcher at the Faculty of Law, is studying how human rights can guarantee our mental privacy and autonomy. On Tuesday, October 21, he will pitch his research during the finals of the PhD Cup at Ha Concerts in Ghent.
Neurotechnology is developing rapidly, especially in the medical sector. “For example, there are technologies that can capture and decode signals from your brain,” explains Istace. “These techniques allow patients to control a robotic arm or communicate via speech technology. On the other hand, the brain can also be stimulated with electronic impulses, a therapy used for mental disorders such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder.”
However, neurotechnology is increasingly being developed for commercial purposes, according to Istace. "A well-known example is Neuralink, a tech company owned by Elon Musk. It develops brain implants that convert neural signals into actions. Although these implants currently serve a medical purpose, Musk clearly states that he wants to implant them in healthy people at some point. However, neurotechnology does not always have to be as invasive as a brain chip. There are also headphones that send signals to your brain. These are said to improve concentration or sleep quality, although the scientific evidence for this is rather limited.”
Potential abuse
Although neurotechnology is promising, it also harbors dangers. “Those with malicious intentions could eventually deliberately disrupt cognitive processes and steer our thoughts in a certain direction,” warns Istace. “Emotions could also be manipulated; for example, people could be made more impulsive or aggressive.”
Limits on this technology and its use are therefore crucial. “As a lawyer, I ask myself: what are the legal implications of neurotechnology? How can the law protect our brains and minds from possible infringements?”
Human rights as protection
Istace finds a possible legal answer in human rights. “All major treaties include the right to freedom of thought,” he explains. “That article is linked to freedom of conscience and religion. Originally, it was intended to protect political, religious, and philosophical beliefs from state interference.”
As a lawyer, I ask myself: what are the legal implications of neurotechnology? How can the law protect our brains and minds from possible infringements?
The current human rights framework is therefore no longer entirely up to date. “Freedom of thought is not aligned with the challenges posed by neurotechnology. It is high time to reflect on how we can modernize these rights.”
PhD Cup
Food for thought, then, for the jury and audience at the PhD Cup final. Istace will present his research at Ha Concerts in Ghent, the former Handelsbeurs, on Tuesday 21 October.
“I will have three minutes to present my story,” he says. “The pitch must not only be short, but also understandable to a wide audience. After that, the jury will ask a few questions, and after deliberation, the winner will be announced.”
Vote now for Timo Istace
In addition to the jury prize, an audience prize will also be awarded. You can vote for your favorite candidate until October 21 at 5 p.m. The finalist with the most votes wins the audience prize and will receive a report on his or her research in Eos Magazine.
Anyone who wants to follow the final of the Flemish PhD Cup can do so via a livestream. The stream starts on October 21 at 8 p.m.