Page - 224 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

224 • Cyborg Mind wish to control and influence them? Will we be able to separate out and elimi- nate images, instructions, or ‘thoughts’ meant to influence us, both from com- mercial and governmental sources? How much further will our privacy erode when the last bastion of our privacy, our mind, is open to the cybernetic web? And as a further danger, will there be new types of electronic viruses that can damage out brains as well as the cybernetic equipment we are ‘attached’ to?30 Whether human persons will ever be able to entirely control their own or other people’s brains is open for debate. But such proposals may serve to exemplify the extensive questions already being raised within cyberneuroeth- ics. The important consequences of developing a direct neuronal interface with an appliance, such as a computer, and the resulting possibilities for the mind to interface with cyberspace cannot be sidestepped. These range from largely theoretical anthropological and philosophical questions to practical concerns regarding possible inappropriate applications of present and future technologies. The brain of a person is indeed a very sensitive organ and any use of a neuronal interface may have consequences for the individual and the way in which he or she interacts with others. Robert Blank indicates that: ‘As the center of personal autonomy and identity, the brain enjoys special status, and modifying it even slightly raises concerns of manipulation.’31 Consequently, because of the special and unique quality of the brain of a person, any intervention threatening its integrity may be considered as an assault on per- sonhood and autonomy.32 Other risks may also exist for society as a whole. For instance, such tech- nologies may serve to increase competitiveness between persons or under- mine equality if they become the reserve of the rich. Discrimination may then ensue, especially towards those who cannot afford, or refuse to use, the new interfaces.33 At the same time, due to the seriousness of the possible concerns, it is dif- ficult to know what kind of policy developments and regulations will become necessary. Neuronal interfaces are likely to require constant vigilance as the quality and potential for connectivity increases. Indeed, there may be a need for redefining issues such as privacy, identity and what constitutes cyber- crime. Legislation relevant to issues such as data protection and confidential- ity may also have to be revised. In this regard, the following policy dimensions would be important: – The manner in which support is given to research and development of neuronal interfaces; because a significant amount of this research for both civilian and military purposes is supported by public money, society as a whole should be involved in deciding how these funds are used. This open access edition has been made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license thanks to the support of Knowledge Unlatched. Not for resale.