Towards an understanding of global brain data governance: ethical positions that underpin global brain data governance discourse

Paschal Ochang; Damian Eke; Bernd Carsten Stahl

doi:10.3389/fdata.2023.1240660

Towards an understanding of global brain data governance: ethical positions that underpin global brain data governance discourse

Front Big Data. 2023 Nov 9:6:1240660. doi: 10.3389/fdata.2023.1240660. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Paschal Ochang¹, Damian Eke¹, Bernd Carsten Stahl^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom.
² School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Introduction: The study of the brain continues to generate substantial volumes of data, commonly referred to as "big brain data," which serves various purposes such as the treatment of brain-related diseases, the development of neurotechnological devices, and the training of algorithms. This big brain data, generated in different jurisdictions, is subject to distinct ethical and legal principles, giving rise to various ethical and legal concerns during collaborative efforts. Understanding these ethical and legal principles and concerns is crucial, as it catalyzes the development of a global governance framework, currently lacking in this field. While prior research has advocated for a contextual examination of brain data governance, such studies have been limited. Additionally, numerous challenges, issues, and concerns surround the development of a contextually informed brain data governance framework. Therefore, this study aims to bridge these gaps by exploring the ethical foundations that underlie contextual stakeholder discussions on brain data governance.

Method: In this study we conducted a secondary analysis of interviews with 21 neuroscientists drafted from the International Brain Initiative (IBI), LATBrain Initiative and the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) who are involved in various brain projects globally and employing ethical theories. Ethical theories provide the philosophical frameworks and principles that inform the development and implementation of data governance policies and practices.

Results: The results of the study revealed various contextual ethical positions that underscore the ethical perspectives of neuroscientists engaged in brain data research globally.

Discussion: This research highlights the multitude of challenges and deliberations inherent in the pursuit of a globally informed framework for governing brain data. Furthermore, it sheds light on several critical considerations that require thorough examination in advancing global brain data governance.

Keywords: brain data; data governance; ethical positions; ethical theories; ethics; neurodata; neuroethics.

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation under the Specific Grant Agreements No. 945539 (Human Brain Project SGA3). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.