Experts call for a new approach to Neuro-AI governance

• October 27, 2026
• admin

On 8 September 2026, the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) published its Statement Governing Neuro-AI: Towards an Infrastructure Approach.

Why neuro-AI matters

Neurodata are data relating to the structure, activity or function of the nervous system, including data collected through neurotechnology or neurophysiological sensing. They can now be collected, combined and reused to train AI models and build applications in many different settings. This opens up opportunities in healthcare, rehabilitation and scientific research. It also raises serious questions about fundamental rights, democratic accountability and the public interest.

From devices to infrastructures

The EGE calls for a systemic and anticipatory approach to governing neuro-AI. Until now the focus has mostly been on individual devices and the privacy of neurodata. The Statement moves it to the wider impact of neuro-AI infrastructures: the interconnected systems through which neurodata are collected, processed and reused to create, deploy and manage AI-powered neurotechnology applications. It also looks at European technological sovereignty and the role of public-interest infrastructures.

Five recommendations

The EGE recommends:

• Robust protection of neurodata: define and strengthen protections for neurodata, and for inferences drawn from them, under EU data protection law.
• Responsible development of neuro-AI technologies: develop technical standards, regulatory guidance and harmonised governance requirements for Brain Foundation Models (BFMs), Human (centric) Foundation Models (HFMs) and related neurodata infrastructures.
• Strong rights protection: protect individuals against disproportionate control when neurodata, or inferences drawn from them, are used in consequential contexts.
• Enhanced governance capacity: build European public-interest capacity to govern neuro-AI infrastructures.
• Comprehensive fitness check: carry out a targeted assessment of the EU regulatory framework that applies to neuro-AI systems.

About the EGE

The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies is an independent, multidisciplinary body of experts that gives ethical advice to the European Commission. It is part of the Ethics Advice Mechanism (EthAM). EthAM provides independent advice on EU legislation and policies where ethical, societal and fundamental rights issues meet the development of science and new technologies.

Read the full Statement: Governing Neuro-AI: Towards an Infrastructure Approach.

Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation