A Study on hot ethical issues of brain-computer interface in multiple application scenarios

As a transformative human-machine interaction technology, brain-computer interface (BCI) is emerging as a strategic frontier in future industries and technological competition among major global powers. China's 14th Five-Year Plan designates brain science and brain-inspired research as national strategic scientific and technological fields, actively promoting breakthroughs and the translation of BCI technologies. To better understand the development and application of this technology, identify and anticipate its ethical risks, strengthen ethical governance, and promote the responsible use of science and technology, this study conducted some surveys and interviews on the hot ethical issues of BCI in multiple application scenarios. Based on the findings, it comprehensively outlines the key ethical issues of brain-computer interfaces in different application scenarios. Specifically, therapeutic BCI primarily raises concerns related to safety, efficacy, and informed consent; service-oriented BCI involves ethical challenges regarding personal identity and authenticity, decision-making autonomy, and neuroprivacy; and enhancement BCI presents issues of responsibility allocation and social fairness. In response to these ethical concerns, this study proposes relevant governance recommendations.