ArticleBMC medical ethics2025
Does brain-computer interface-based mind reading threaten mental privacy? ethical reflections from interviews with Chinese experts.
Article in BMC medical ethics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Consent in flux: when brain‑computer interface embodiment undermines informed consent.BMC medical ethics · 2026Article
- Ethical Precision in Nanoscale Brain Interfacing.Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · 2026Article
- [A scientific definition of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs): Essential components, fundamental characteristics, capability boundaries, and scope delimitation].Sheng wu yi xue gong cheng xue za zhi = Journal of biomedical engineering = Shengwu yixue gongchengxue zazhi · 2026Review
- Multi-Level Perception Systems in Fusion of Lifeforms: Classification, Challenges and Future Conceptions.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
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2 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundThe rapid development of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology has sparked profound debates about the right to privacy, particularly concerning its potential to enable mind reading. While scholars have proposed the establishment of neurorights to safeguard mental privacy, questions remain about whether BCIs can genuinely decode inner thoughts and what makes their ethical implications distinctive.
methodsThis study conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 Chinese experts in the BCI and neuroscience fields to explore their perspectives on the concept, feasibility, and limitations of BCI-based mind reading (BMR). The transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes and insights.
resultsThe findings reveal a range of expert perspectives on the interpretations and feasibility of BMR. Most participants believe that current BCI technology cannot decode inner thoughts, although they acknowledge the potential for future advancements. Key technical challenges, such as signal quality and reliance on background information, are highlighted.
conclusionWe summarize the interpretations, feasibility, and limitations of BMR and introduce a distinction between "strong BMR" and "weak BMR" to clarify their technical and ethical implications. Based on our analysis, we argue that current BMR does not pose unique ethical challenges compared with other forms of mind reading, and therefore does not yet justify the establishment of a distinct right to mental privacy.
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