The Association of the Bar of the City of New York has published a report on "privacy concerns with respect to mental and cerebral functioning as delineated through brain imaging and other neurodiagnostic techniques -- or what will be referred to here as 'neuroprivacy'". The report gives particular attention to so-called "brain fingerprinting." An article in today's New York Law Journal (not available free), entitled "Are Your Thoughts Your Own?", describes the report and some of its authors:
Subtitled "'Neuroprivacy' and the Legal Implications of Brain Imaging,"
the 24-page report is meant as a call to action in light of existing and
future developments in the scientific detection of subliminal
preferences, hidden knowledge and "bad thoughts" some might say could
predict dangerous behavior.. . .
Andrew Mandell, chairman of the city bar's Committee on Science and Law
and an assistant deputy commissioner at the New York City Human
Resources Administration, said, "Our goal is for legislators and the
legal community to ponder these issues and think about steps that may
need to be taken in view of the civil liberties implications."
The report, noted Mr. Mandell, former general counsel to the city's
Department of Mental Health, does not advocate a particular viewpoint.
(Hat Tip: Ivy Lapides)
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