Penn Bioethics Seminar (PBS): "Commercial Neurotechnologies and the Risks of Cognitive Warfare” - Łukasz Kamieński, PhD, MSc

 Łukasz Kamieński, PhD, MSc

Professor
International and Political Studies
Jagiellonian University, Krakow

Consumer neurotechnology, especially wearable brain-monitoring devices and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, is moving beyond therapy into wellness, entertainment, and productivity, with major technology companies and start-ups investing in everyday applications. EEG- and ultrasound-based wearables are designed to detect cognitive states, including alertness, attention, stress, and mood. As these products are integrated into headbands, earbuds, and headphones, neurodata collection becomes ambient and continuous.

Neuroethical discussions usually emphasize mental privacy, autonomy, and liberty, yet national security remains an overlooked aspect. Neurodata may support personalized neuromarketing, but it can also enable hostile influence operations by turning consumer devices into platforms for “cognitive warfare.” This concept refers to unconventional conflict in which adversaries target the human mind by shaping perceptions, beliefs, and decision-making.

Neurodata may flow across platforms, cloud services, and jurisdictions in ways that remain opaque to users. Such transfers can enable third-party access without meaningful awareness or consent and may evade effective state oversight. When combined with other biometric information, including digital fingerprints, neurodata can enhance AI-driven psychological and sentiment profiling.

Neurodata-enabled microtargeting, therefore, marks a significant shift in cognitive warfare, making the protection of the cognitive domain both an ethical and a strategic imperative.