
Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) represent one of the most consequential emerging technologies of the 21st century. While current regulatory frameworks focus primarily on their clinical and rehabilitative applications, a critical and underexplored risk is taking shape: the potential misuse of neural interfaces as instruments of mass cognitive surveillance. This report examines the technical mechanisms by which a BCI system can acquire, encode, and transmit neural data without explicit user consent. It further reviews the inadequacy of existing global data privacy frameworks when applied to brain-derived signals and proposes a tiered ethical framework for neural data governance. Particular emphasis is placed on the disproportionate vulnerability of populations in Sub-Saharan Africa and Uganda specifically where general-purpose data protection laws provide no neural-specific protections, institutional enforcement capacity remains limited, and the convergence of mobile technology growth with consumer neurotechnology diffusion creates a structurally undefended exposure surface. This report argues that neural data requires a distinct legal and ethical classification—one that protects cognitive liberty as a foundational human right before commercial BCI deployment reaches critical mass in both the Global North and, increasingly, in emerging markets.
Brain-Computer Interfaces, Neuroethics, Uganda, Bci, Neuroprivacy
Brain-Computer Interfaces, Neuroethics, Uganda, Bci, Neuroprivacy
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
