Commissioner Foreword Neurotechnology potentially offers profound benefits for both individuals and our society. From improving the quality of life for people with a disability, expanding the mind and challenging what it means to be human, this technology is truly a modern marvel. However, as with all new and emerging technologies, human rights must be central to the development and deployment of neurotechnological products in the global market. The Australian Human Rights Commission (Commission) is concerned that this rapidly evolving technology is not currently supported by adequate safeguards and regulation to protect people from harm and to preserve their human rights. Our research, which has been informed by consultations and feedback with stakeholders from across the world, indicates that business, civil society, regulators and academia share concerns about how this technology is already being developed and deployed in ways that are potentially inconsistent with human rights. There are significant human rights and freedoms which may be impacted by neurotechnology and must be better protected. The Commission has produced this background paper to inform people about what neurotechnology is, how it may impact human rights and some of the key challenges raised by the technology. This background paper is intended to spark discourse and raise the profile of human rights and neurotechnology in Australia and overseas. It is by no means a comprehensive assessment of all of the challenges posed by neurotechnology. I look forward to civil society, business, regulators, government and academia using this resource to further their discussions about neurotechnology, and to help ensure that human rights are at the heart of those conversations. I hope that it is informative piece which stimulates debates at a policy level to spur further considerations. Lorraine Finlay Human Rights Commissioner