4.3 KiB
IGF 2026 WS #410 Securing Neuro-Rights and Cognitive Liberty in AI Era
Description
The intersection of AI and neurotechnology has moved from science fiction to a critical policy priority. As Artificial Intelligence transcends digital interfaces and enters the realm of neurotechnology, the boundary between human thought and machine data is dissolving. With the 2026 adoption of global ethical frameworks for neurotech, the conversation must now shift from "what is possible" to "who is protected." This session explores the urgent necessity of Neuro-Rights—a new category of human rights designed to protect our mental privacy, personal identity, and cognitive liberty.
In an era where AI-driven neural harvesting and behavioral manipulation are no longer hypothetical, current digital rights frameworks are insufficient. We will examine the four pillars of neuro-rights: the right to mental privacy, the right to mental integrity, the right to psychological continuity, and the right to cognitive liberty. Neurotechnology poses a direct threat to the cognitive boundaries of human beings. These technologies not only allow for the monitoring of brain activity and the prediction of intentions, but also for the modification of mental and mood states (Neuro-Enhancement). This new threat to privacy has resulted in what is known as Neuro-Privacy.
The main goal is to identify and evaluate the unprecedented challenges created by the union of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Neurotechnology, and to advocate for the establishment of new legal and ethical frameworks (specifically, Neuro-Rights) to protect human cognitive privacy and mental integrity in the digital age.
Key Focus Areas:
Governance Gaps: Analyzing why existing data protection laws (like GDPR or NDPR) stop at the "user interface" and fail to protect neural data.
Inclusive Reslience: How AI-neurotech could exacerbate inequalities in the Global South if access is not democratized. This session aims to empower activists and policymakers to build a resilient digital future where the "privacy of the mind" remains the ultimate human right.
Policy Question(s)
How are the current legal framework could protect the right to Neuro-privacy and Neuro-data? What the safeguards in the place in different jurisdictions? How AI-neurotech could exacerbate inequalities in the Global South if access is not democratized? what are the ethical principles should be adopted in deploying AI in the field of Neuro-technology?
Expected Outcomes
The outcome of the session will be the basis of academic publication about the topic of the session
Format
Classroom Duration (minutes): 60 Format description: As the topic is relatively new , no much participants have the knowledge , so class room is fit with for the purpose of deliver the knowledge. 60 min is sufficient for deliver the session and interacting with questions.
Hybrid Format
Hybrid Format: Co-Moderation Team: The session will feature two dedicated co-moderators—one Onsite Moderator facilitating the physical room and one Online/Remote Moderator designated to monitor the Zoom/IGF platform.
Integrated Speaker Order: Onsite and online panellists will interleave naturally during presentations and discussions rather than being grouped separately. Online speakers will be displayed on large in-room screens with high-quality audio to ensure they feel fully present to physical attendees.
Short Spark Talks (20 mins total): Speakers (both remote and in-person) will be strictly limited to 3-4 minute lightning interventions establishing key dilemmas—such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neural data privacy, and algorithmic cognitive manipulation.
Organizers
Organizer 1: MOHAMED FARAHAT, 🔒African IGF
Speakers
Speaker 1: MOHAMED FARAHAT, Civil Society, African Group Speaker 2: Malek khachlouf, Government, African Group Speaker 3: Thobekile Adebayo , Civil Society, African Group
Moderator
MOHAMED FARAHAT, Civil Society, African Group
Online Moderator
MOHAMED FARAHAT, Civil Society, African Group
Rapporteur
MOHAMED FARAHAT, Civil Society, African Group
Participant Benefits
What will participants gain from attending this session?
SDGs
3.4 3.8 9.5 9.b 10.2 10.3 16.10 16.3