Neural Interfaces – Chapter 17: Responsible neural technology development: ethical issues and challenges

This chapter presents an overview of the ethical concerns related to the research, development, and commercialization of neural interfaces. While neural interface development inherits many of the same ethical concerns as other areas of research involving humans, rapidly advancing neurotechnology gives these concerns new complexity and raises new issues altogether. This chapter discusses ethical considerations related to risks and benefits, informed consent, disability and distributive justice, participant engagement, posttrial considerations, and consumer applications, as they take on new dimensions in neural interface development. The objective of this chapter is to discuss ethical issues beyond those raised in traditional trainings and modes of oversight (such as Responsible Conduct of Research, CITI training, and Institutional Review Board regulations), to encourage developers to consider these issues early and often, and to inspire the adoption of innovative ethical practices.