Press release 5/2025
Berlin Group presents working paper with recommendations on neurotechnologies
The International Working Group on Privacy in Technology (IWGDPT), known as the "Berlin Group," has published a working paper on data protection in connection with neurotechnologies. The so-called "Berlin Group" addresses, among other things, the consequences of technology that is directly connected to the human brain.
The chair of the IWGDPT ("Berlin Group"), the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information ( BfDI ), Prof. Dr. Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider, emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue at an early stage:” Beyond the medical field, neurotechnologies could soon become relevant also for the mass market. We must be prepared for this, as they raise profound questions relating to data protection and ethics, not least for human mental integrity."
Neurotechnologies are devices that establish a direct connection between the brain and a computer or AI. The current IWGDPT paper contains definitions and examples of so-called neurotechnologies and neurodata. This paper discusses data protection requirements arising from this new technology, paying particular attention to the concept of consent and the protection of children and young people. The paper follows the IWGDPT's practice-oriented approach: It first describes the technology and its impact on data protection, analyses it on the basis of existing principles, and concludes with concrete recommendations for legislators, regulators, and developers.
The working paper in English can be found here. More information on the IWGDPT can be found here.