UNESCO issued the first global normative framework on the ethics of neurotechnology on November 5; it is set to enter into force on November 12. This recommended standard is designed to maintain a balance between innovation and human rights to protect the human brain and brain-related data from misuse.

Such misuse includes exploiting brain signals to follow persuasive messages, using brain data for political marketing, for deciding premiums in insurance or even requiring applicants or employees to submit brain data tests to screen for suitability, stress tolerance, and hidden traits in an employment setting.

The emerging field of neurotechnology has made it possible to profile people in this way — and the UNESCO framework provides guidance for anyone studying, researching, and developing

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