Parliamentary question - E-000732/2024Parliamentary question
E-000732/2024

Ethical and legal aspects of brain chips – the implications of microchip implants for human rights

Question for written answer  E-000732/2024
to the Commission
Rule 138
Eva Kaili (NI)

Ethical and legal aspects of brain chips.

The company Neuralink[1] recently announced that it had implanted a microchip in the brain of a human patient. Previous implants have helped disabled people regain some motor[2] or visual functions[3].

The latest implant differs significantly from earlier ones in which microchips transmitted wireless commands from the brain to the body’s organs, legs, or optic nerves. In contrast, the latest microchip implant, the first of its kind, primarily targets people unable to use their limbs and enables users to control their phone or computer by thought.

Microchip implants are therefore a revolutionary technology that is expected to have both positive and negative social, ethical, legal and practical impacts. These include bioethical issues, challenges for human rights and accountability issues. Consequently:

Submitted:7.3.2024

Last updated: 18 March 2024
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