Abstract: Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are devices that allow a direct connection between the human brain and machines, bypassing normal musculoskeletal efferent pathways. Originally developed as experimental and clinical tools, BCIs are now spreading into various fields, from entertainment to cognitive enhancement. Some already go beyond strictly medical purposes, such as BCI-guided devices. BCIs are progressively becoming part of the now-established phenomenon of pervasive computing technologies, encompassing a range of consumer products from smartphones to the most recent wearables, including health monitoring devices and applications.
The first part of this presentation will provide an introductory overview of the main BCI technologies, analyzing their functioning, paradigms, and relevant clinical applications. Several examples of interfaces will be presented.
Subsequently, a section will be dedicated to neuroprivacy and mental integrity. BCIs record brain data that can potentially be correlated to thoughts, emotions, and decision-making processes. Moreover, the integration of BCIs and machine learning has various implications regarding the possible technological phenomenon of so-called “mind reading”. Neuroscience has demonstrated a strong connection between brain activity, cognition, and consciousness; based on this, the decoding of neuronal patterns and their classification in relation to mental states may allow these neurotechnologies (recently considered “mind-reading technologies”) to indirectly “read” users’ minds.
Furthermore, the dangers of hacking brain data and privacy violations resulting from the collection of personal and sensitive information will be examined. Indeed, several scholars believe that the theft of brain data could become one of the next major cybersecurity threats, with significant ethical and legal consequences.
As BCIs continue to advance, the balance between technological progress and ethical considerations becomes increasingly crucial and relevant.