Global Privacy Assembly Members: Adopted 46th Global Privacy Assembly resolution on principles regarding processing of personal information in neuroscience and neurotechnology

On 1 November 2024, the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) announced that it passed a resolution to address the ethical, legal, and data protection challenges posed by advances in neurosciences and neurotechnology. The resolution emphasised the importance of safeguarding personal data related to brain activity (neurodata) and ensuring that neurotechnology respects human rights, dignity, and privacy. It states that the processing of neurodata should respect privacy laws and only be allowed under specific conditions where there is a demonstrated benefit for individuals, society, or the public interest. It should adhere to legal and ethical principles, including consent, limitation to specified and legitimate purposes, data minimisation, data security, and respect for the rights of data subjects. Neurotechnology developers and related stakeholders should ensure transparency, conduct impact assessment, and adopt privacy by design principles. Moreover, special protections should be in place for vulnerable groups, including children and individuals with disabilities. The resolution encouraged global collaboration to establish common standards and best practices and education to promote understanding of neurotechnologies and their risks.