Ethical guidelines set BCI research on right wavelength

The Ministry of Science and Technology has published on its official website the nation's first ethical guidelines on Brain-Computer Interface research, providing guidance for the emerging technology.

The guidelines provide clear definitions of the key terms related to BCI technology, assess the potential risks for different types of BCI technology, and lay out targeted regulatory details in response to the identified risks. For instance, while making general requirements for conducting BCI research, the guidelines emphasize the technology developers must comply with the relevant laws and regulations in China, adhere to internationally recognized ethical principles, and conform with the professional consensus and technical standards established by the scientific community, which is widely believed to have set a "bottom line" for the development of BCI technology.

On the basis of the "bottom line", the guidelines also draw a clear "redline" by prohibiting illegal activities such as infringement of the legitimate rights and interests of others and disruption of social stability through BCI research. Additionally, publishing advertisements that include information exaggerating the true effects of BCI is also prohibited.