Neurotechnologies are devices and procedures which can access, monitor, record or manipulate brain data. The technology is either non-implantable (in a wearable form) or implantable via medical procedure.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is focusing on the rapid development of neurotechnology and how it may challenge human rights. The Commission's research is aimed at considering, and highlighting, the human rights risks of neurotechnologies to understand where safeguards are needed most to ensure ethical development and deployment.

This paper was informed by qualitative consultations with 47 participants, while a further 22 participants provided written feedback. Participants represented civil society, academia, regulators, law, industry and government.

The background paper represents an important first step in stimulating discussions and identifying gaps in the Australian response to neurotechnologies.