Neuroethics guidance documents: principles, analysis, and implementation strategies

Innovations in neurotechnologies have ignited conversations about ethics around the world, with implications for researchers, policymakers, and the private sector. The human rights impacts of neurotechnologies have drawn the attention of United Nations bodies; nearly 40 states are tasked with implementing the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s principles for responsible innovation in neurotechnology; and the United States is considering placing export controls on brain-computer interfaces. Against this backdrop, we offer the first review and analysis of neuroethics guidance documents recently issued by prominent government, private, and academic groups, focusing on commonalities and divergences in articulated goals; envisioned roles and responsibilities of different stakeholder groups; and the suggested role of the public. Drawing on lessons from the governance of other emerging technologies, we suggest implementation and evaluation strategies to guide practitioners and policymakers in operationalizing these ethical norms in research, business, and policy settings.