IoB-S (“Internet of Brains”-Society)

●Objectives

This project builds upon the achievements of IoB-S’s research and development activities over the past five years under Moonshot Goal 1 (MS1), with the aim of continuing, developing, and strengthening those efforts. If the past five years of IoB-S activities are considered “Phase 1,” then the project will enter “Phase 2” starting in fiscal year 2026. Over the next five years, we will not only refine our exploration of ELSI issues associated with the societal implementation of cybernetic avatars (CA), including BMI, but also aim to provide new guidelines for the development of domestic legal systems and social norms. In particular, within a CA society that seeks liberation from the constraints of the body and brain, we will establish the foundations of neurolaw by taking into account the entire ecosystem of technology and cognition, including AI, thereby contributing to the realization of a CA society with high social acceptance.

● Trends

With the rapid advancement of brain technology, new issues not anticipated by traditional legal systems are emerging. Internationally, discussions on neuroethics and neurojurisprudence are accelerating, and numerous recommendations and reports have been published; however, domestically, discussions regarding legislative measures and the formulation of guidelines have barely progressed. There is concern about a “divergence between law and technology,” where legal frameworks fail to keep pace with technological evolution.

● Challenges

・To facilitate the societal implementation of BMI/CA technologies, it is necessary to examine their compatibility with existing legal and ethical frameworks and clarify how to respond to international trends in rule-making.
・There is a disconnect in understanding between the technology development sector, the legal and policy sector (legislators and bureaucrats), and the industry, and there is a lack of forums for dialogue necessary to design effective legal systems.
・There is a lack of outreach efforts to accurately communicate the benefits and risks of the technology to the general public and the next generation (such as junior and senior high school students) in order to foster social consensus.

●Solutions

・Complete a comprehensive framework for neurolaw that spans both theory and practice, and create a white paper to raise awareness of practical challenges based on this framework.
・Establish forums for information exchange with legislators and bureaucrats; set up and operate study groups and consortia for mutual learning; and, with the involvement of industry, make direct policy recommendations for legal framework design.
・As part of outreach for societal implementation, aim to improve public literacy through the production of guidebooks for citizens, the hosting of events, awareness-raising activities for junior and senior high school students, and the development of educational curricula.

Project Website:
Internet of Brains Society (IoB-S)