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张 喆, 赵 旭, 马 艺, 丁 鹏, 南 文, 龚 安, 伏 云. [Ethics considerations on brain-computer interface technology]. SHENG WU YI XUE GONG CHENG XUE ZA ZHI = JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING = SHENGWU YIXUE GONGCHENGXUE ZAZHI 2023; 40:358-364. [PMID: 37139769 PMCID: PMC10162913 DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.202208058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The development and potential application of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is closely related to the human brain, so that the ethical regulation of BCI has become an important issue attracting the consideration of society. Existing literatures have discussed the ethical norms of BCI technology from the perspectives of non-BCI developers and scientific ethics, while few discussions have been launched from the perspective of BCI developers. Therefore, there is a great need to study and discuss the ethical norms of BCI technology from the perspective of BCI developers. In this paper, we present the user-centered and non-harmful BCI technology ethics, and then discuss and look forward on them. This paper argues that human beings can cope with the ethical issues arising from BCI technology, and as BCI technology develops, its ethical norms will be improved continuously. It is expected that this paper can provide thoughts and references for the formulation of ethical norms related to BCI technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- 喆 张
- 昆明理工大学 马克思主义学院(昆明 650500)School of Marxism, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
| | - 旭 赵
- 昆明理工大学 马克思主义学院(昆明 650500)School of Marxism, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
| | - 艺昕 马
- 昆明理工大学 马克思主义学院(昆明 650500)School of Marxism, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
- 昆明理工大学 信息工程与自动化学院(昆明 650500)School of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
| | - 鹏 丁
- 昆明理工大学 马克思主义学院(昆明 650500)School of Marxism, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
- 昆明理工大学 信息工程与自动化学院(昆明 650500)School of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
| | - 文雅 南
- 昆明理工大学 马克思主义学院(昆明 650500)School of Marxism, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
| | - 安民 龚
- 昆明理工大学 马克思主义学院(昆明 650500)School of Marxism, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
| | - 云发 伏
- 昆明理工大学 马克思主义学院(昆明 650500)School of Marxism, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
- 昆明理工大学 信息工程与自动化学院(昆明 650500)School of Information Engineering and Automation, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, P. R. China
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A Cybersecure P300-Based Brain-to-Computer Interface against Noise-Based and Fake P300 Cyberattacks. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21248280. [PMID: 34960373 PMCID: PMC8709057 DOI: 10.3390/s21248280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
In a progressively interconnected world where the Internet of Things (IoT), ubiquitous computing, and artificial intelligence are leading to groundbreaking technology, cybersecurity remains an underdeveloped aspect. This is particularly alarming for brain-to-computer interfaces (BCIs), where hackers can threaten the user’s physical and psychological safety. In fact, standard algorithms currently employed in BCI systems are inadequate to deal with cyberattacks. In this paper, we propose a solution to improve the cybersecurity of BCI systems. As a case study, we focus on P300-based BCI systems using support vector machine (SVM) algorithms and EEG data. First, we verified that SVM algorithms are incapable of identifying hacking by simulating a set of cyberattacks using fake P300 signals and noise-based attacks. This was achieved by comparing the performance of several models when validated using real and hacked P300 datasets. Then, we implemented our solution to improve the cybersecurity of the system. The proposed solution is based on an EEG channel mixing approach to identify anomalies in the transmission channel due to hacking. Our study demonstrates that the proposed architecture can successfully identify 99.996% of simulated cyberattacks, implementing a dedicated counteraction that preserves most of BCI functions.
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Steinert S, Friedrich O. Wired Emotions: Ethical Issues of Affective Brain-Computer Interfaces. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2020; 26:351-367. [PMID: 30868377 PMCID: PMC6978299 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-019-00087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Ethical issues concerning brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have already received a considerable amount of attention. However, one particular form of BCI has not received the attention that it deserves: Affective BCIs that allow for the detection and stimulation of affective states. This paper brings the ethical issues of affective BCIs in sharper focus. The paper briefly reviews recent applications of affective BCIs and considers ethical issues that arise from these applications. Ethical issues that affective BCIs share with other neurotechnologies are presented and ethical concerns that are specific to affective BCIs are identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Steinert
- Department of Values, Technology and Innovation, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Orsolya Friedrich
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Lessingstr. 2, 80336 Munich, Germany
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Specker Sullivan L, Illes J. Ethics in published brain–computer interface research. J Neural Eng 2018; 15:013001. [DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aa8e05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Stahl BC, Wakunuma K, Rainey S, Hansen C. Improving brain computer interface research through user involvement - The transformative potential of integrating civil society organisations in research projects. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171818. [PMID: 28207882 PMCID: PMC5313172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) often aims to provide solutions for vulnerable populations, such as individuals with diseases, conditions or disabilities that keep them from using traditional interfaces. Such research thereby contributes to the public good. This contribution to the public good corresponds to a broader drive of research and funding policy that focuses on promoting beneficial societal impact. One way of achieving this is to engage with the public. In practical terms this can be done by integrating civil society organisations (CSOs) in research. The open question at the heart of this paper is whether and how such CSO integration can transform the research and contribute to the public good. To answer this question the paper describes five detailed qualitative case studies of research projects including CSOs. The paper finds that transformative impact of CSO integration is possible but by no means assured. It provides recommendations on how transformative impact can be promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Carsten Stahl
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Kutoma Wakunuma
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Rainey
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Hansen
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, School of Computer Science and Informatics, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Schicktanz S, Amelung T, Rieger JW. Qualitative assessment of patients' attitudes and expectations toward BCIs and implications for future technology development. Front Syst Neurosci 2015; 9:64. [PMID: 25964745 PMCID: PMC4410612 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2015.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-computer-interfaces (BCIs) are important for the next generation of neuro-prosthesis innovations. Only few pilot projects have tested patients' abilities to control BCIs as well as their satisfaction with the offered technologies. On the one hand, little is known about patients' moral attitudes toward the benefit-risk-ratio of BCIs as well as their needs, priorities, and expectations. On the other hand, ethics experts intensively discuss the general risks of BCIs as well as the limits of neuro-enhancement. To our knowledge, we present here the first qualitative interview study with ten chronic patients matching the potential user categories for motor and communication BCIs to assess their practical and moral attitudes toward this technology. The interviews reveal practical and moral attitudes toward motor BCIs that can impact future technology development. We discuss our empirical findings on patients' perspectives and compare them to neuroscientists' and ethicists' perspectives. Our analysis indicates only partial overlap between the potential users' and the experts' assessments of BCI-technology. It points out the importance of considering the needs and desires of the targeted patient group. Based on our findings, we suggest a multi-fold approach to the development of clinical BCIs, rooted in the participatory technology-development. We conclude that clinical BCI development needs to be explored in a disease-related and culturally sensitive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Schicktanz
- Department of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingen, Germany
| | - Till Amelung
- Department of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, University Medical Center GöttingenGöttingen, Germany
| | - Jochem W. Rieger
- Department of Psychology, University ofOldenburg, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
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McKendrick R, Parasuraman R, Ayaz H. Wearable functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): expanding vistas for neurocognitive augmentation. Front Syst Neurosci 2015; 9:27. [PMID: 25805976 PMCID: PMC4353303 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2015.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Contemporary studies with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) provide a growing base of evidence for enhancing cognition through the non-invasive delivery of weak electric currents to the brain. The main effect of tDCS is to modulate cortical excitability depending on the polarity of the applied current. However, the underlying mechanism of neuromodulation is not well understood. A new generation of functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems is described that are miniaturized, portable, and include wearable sensors. These developments provide an opportunity to couple fNIRS with tDCS, consistent with a neuroergonomics approach for joint neuroimaging and neurostimulation investigations of cognition in complex tasks and in naturalistic conditions. The effects of tDCS on complex task performance and the use of fNIRS for monitoring cognitive workload during task performance are described. Also explained is how fNIRS + tDCS can be used simultaneously for assessing spatial working memory. Mobile optical brain imaging is a promising neuroimaging tool that has the potential to complement tDCS for realistic applications in natural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan McKendrick
- Center of Excellence in Neuroergonomics, Technology, and Cognition (CENTEC), George Mason University Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Raja Parasuraman
- Center of Excellence in Neuroergonomics, Technology, and Cognition (CENTEC), George Mason University Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Hasan Ayaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Rusconi E, Mitchener-Nissen T. The role of expectations, hype and ethics in neuroimaging and neuromodulation futures. Front Syst Neurosci 2014; 8:214. [PMID: 25400557 PMCID: PMC4215706 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of expectations or future-goals for the development of techniques which “read” and modulate brain function, represent an important practical tool for neuroscientists. These visions-of-the-future assist scientists by providing focus for both individual and cross-disciplinary research programs; they encourage the development of new industrial sectors, are used to justify the allocation of government resources and funding, and via the media can help capture the imagination and support of the public. However, such expectations need to be tempered by reality. Over-hyping brain imaging and modulation will lead to disappointment; disappointment that in turn can undermine its potential. Similarly, if neuroscientists focus their attention narrowly on the science without concomitant consideration of its future ethical, legal and social implications, then their expectations may remain unrealized. To develop these arguments herein we introduce the theoretical concept of expectations and the practical consequences of expectations. We contextualize these reflections by referring to brain imaging and modulation studies on deception, which encompass the measurement-suppression-augmentation range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rusconi
- Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London London, UK ; Division of Psychology, Abertay University Dundee, UK ; Department of Neurosciences, University of Parma Parma, Italy
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