In a pivotal moment at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Dr. Ana Brian Nougrères, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, emphasized the urgent need for an international model law on neurotechnologies and neurodata. Highlighting the rapid advancements in technology that can access and manipulate brain activity, Dr. Nougrères presented a compelling report advocating for robust global regulations to protect individuals' privacy rights.

The report outlines four critical recommendations for countries worldwide. Firstly, it calls for the development of specific legal frameworks tailored to the nuances of neurotechnologies and the processing of neurodata to ensure their responsible use. Secondly, it emphasizes the integration of established privacy rights principles into national laws. Thirdly, it suggests enhancing ethical practices in the deployment of neurotechnologies to mitigate the risks posed by these innovations. Lastly, it advocates for educational initiatives to ensure the public is well-informed about neurotechnologies, thereby enabling true informed consent.

Dr. Nougrères expressed deep concern over the potential for neurodata to not only reveal, but also manipulate how individuals think and make decisions. “Neurotechnologies are tools or devices that record or alter brain activity and generate neurodata that not only allow us to identify a person, but also provide an unprecedented depth of understanding of their individuality," she stated. This data, she warned, is highly sensitive as it directly relates to one's cognitive state and personal experiences.

The report also underlined the necessity of protecting human dignity and mental privacy, recognizing neurodata as exceptionally sensitive personal data, and ensuring that any processing of such data is done with informed consent.

Although Chile has led the way by enacting a neuro-rights law in 2021, most nations remain without legislation that specifically addresses the rights and protections needed for neurodata. This gap, according to Dr. Nougrères, poses a significant risk to privacy and personal autonomy in the era of technological breakthroughs.

The call to action from the Human Rights Council session is a continuation of efforts outlined in previous findings presented in March 2025, which laid down foundational principles for regulating neurotechnologies. As the landscape of technology and data privacy continues to evolve, the international community faces critical challenges in balancing innovation with the imperative to safeguard fundamental human rights.