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ZENODO
Report . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Report . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Report . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Neural Data Privacy and the Emerging Surveillance Risk of Brain-Computer Interfaces

Authors: Ngabonzira, Marvin Mmembe;

Neural Data Privacy and the Emerging Surveillance Risk of Brain-Computer Interfaces

Abstract

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.

Related Organizations
Keywords

Brain-Computer Interfaces, Neuroethics, Uganda, Bci, Neuroprivacy

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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).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
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.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average