This multidisciplinary panel convened representatives from ethics, law, neuroscience, business, and a patient user of a brain-computer interface to discuss collective aims for how neurotechnology will be integrated into society, and to develop a list of tenets to chart a path forward, with input from the audience.
- Galen Buckwalter
- Spenser Kellis
- Kim Old
- Sara E. Berger
- Kristen Mathews
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Neuroethics 2026
Building Bridges and Cultivating Community
Thursday, April 16, 2026
This session was part of the Neuroethics 2026 conference organized by the INS and hosted by the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics at the Bechtel Conference Center at Encina Hall.
Agenda
- Introduction / 10 minutes
- Dynamic conversation / 45 minutes
- Summary and key points / 5 minutes
Description
Neurotechnolgy detects brain activity, and AI can be used to derive information about a person from this information. At a time like this — when invasive neurotech is at the precipice of completing clinical trials and wearable neurotech is being perfected and marketed to consumers — it is of the utmost importance that all stakeholders sit together at a table to discuss what kind of neurotech world we want to live in.
Any possible solutions must take into account all interests, including making neurotech businesses viable so they can continue to make and improve products that help people, the interests of the individuals who use these products, and society as a whole.
This multidisciplinary panel includes representatives from ethics, law, neuroscience and business, from both invasive and wearable neurotech companies, as well as a patient user of a brain-computer interface. The session aims to build connections across distances, disciplines, and perspectives.
Topics for discussion include:
- What protections for users should neurotech companies take into consideration for their products?
- Should the rules be different for invasive vs medical devices vs direct-to-consumer neurotech?
- What basic rights should individuals have when they use neurotech?
- Should neurotech be designed with “stop” phrases or other user controls?
- How have laws historically addressed issues like this in other industries, and how could laws regulate neurotech in a way that meets the objectives of all involved?
The goals, objectives, and desired outcomes of the session are to:
- Bring various stakeholders with varying interests in neurotech together for a discussion about how we want neurotech to work in our society, understanding that the ultimate approach should work for everyone.
- Receive contributions from the audience.
- Leave with a list of tenets for a way forward.
Speakers
Galen Buckwalter
Spenser Kellis
Blackrock Neuroscience
Kim Old
EMOTIV
Sara E. Berger
IBM
Kristen Mathews
Cooley
Kristen is at the forefront of complex privacy and cybersecurity issues. Kristen’s industry knowledge is vast, with more than 25 years of experience advising clients in the sectors of technology, financial, retail, consumer products, healthcare, insurance, media, education, auto, utilities, sports and hospitality. Kristen’s long-standing work with innovative technology companies and her early focus on the legal implications of neurotechnology led her to spearhead the development of Cooley’s neural privacy resource hub, a first-of-its-kind guide designed to help businesses and researchers navigate the emerging legal landscape surrounding wearable neurotech devices, brain-computer interfaces and mental privacy. Chambers has ranked Kristen since 2010, and The Legal 500 US has recognized Kristen for her singular work, naming her in its Hall of Fame for Cyber Law since 2017. She is accredited by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and has been a certified information privacy professional (CIPP) since 2005.
Resources
List
Recording
A recording of this session will be made available to registered attendees.