Recently, the official website of the Ministry of Science and Technology released the "Ethical Guidelines for Brain Computer Interface Research" (hereinafter referred to as the "Guidelines") prepared by the Artificial Intelligence Ethics Committee of the National Science and Technology Ethics Committee. The Guidelines guides the compliance of brain computer interface research; prevents technological ethical risks in the process of brain computer interface research and technology application; and promotes the healthy and orderly development of this field.
According to the guidelines, brain computer interface refers to a new cross technology that creates information channels between the brain and external devices, achieving direct information exchange between the two. In January of this year, seven departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Transport and etc. jointly issued the "Implementation Opinions on Promoting Innovative Development of Future Industries", which identified the top ten iconic products of the future industry, including brain computer interfaces. And it is clearly stated to "break through key technologies and core components such as brain computer fusion, brain like chips, and brain computing neural models, develop a batch of user-friendly and safe brain computer interface products, and encourage exploration of applications in typical fields such as medical rehabilitation, autonomous driving, and virtual reality."
Recently, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, ethical issues related to artificial intelligence have been highly valued both domestically and internationally. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) passed the "Code of Ethics for Artificial Intelligence" in November 2021, and more than 50 countries and regions have participated in its implementation and engaged in multilateral cooperation. During the second Global Forum on Artificial Intelligence Ethics held in Slovenia on February 5th this year, several international technology companies, including Lenovo Group, Microsoft, LG Artificial Intelligence Research and Development, INNIT, SEFTSE, and Telekom Spain, signed agreements promising to comply with UNESCO's ethical recommendations on artificial intelligence.
The ethical issues in the field of brain computer interfaces involve human rights and privacy. The "Ethical Guidelines for Brain Computer Interface Research" published in China not only have individual provisions for brain computer interface technology, but also have common principles for future industrial technology. It has guiding significance for the standardized development of brain computer interfaces and also has reference significance for the standardized development of other future industrial technologies.
