The role of soft law in the regulation and governance of human rights challenges posed by neurotechnology

Scientific advances in neuroscience and neurotechnology have led to significant achievements for humanity. These developments rely on the collection, storage, processing, and modification of neural data. As neurotechnologies improve and become more accessible, they may extend beyond the medical field—governed by strict standards—to broader consumer, workplace, education, criminal justice, and military applications. While some uses may seem beneficial, they raise serious human rights concerns, particularly regarding privacy, freedom of thought, and mental integrity. With increasing private investment in AI-powered neurotechnologies, their integration into daily life is imminent. To prevent a regulatory vacuum, a robust governance framework is essential. This book employs international legal methodology to contribute to the debate on the social and human rights implications of neurotechnology, examining the role of soft law in strengthening protections and shaping a multilevel governance framework.