Senators Introduce MIND Act to Protect Consumers' Neural Data
A group of influential senators, including Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.), have introduced the 'Management of Individuals' Neural Data Act of 2025' (MIND Act). This legislation aims to safeguard consumers' neural data from misuse by commercial entities.
Currently, companies are exploiting neural data to predict and manipulate human behavior. Wearable tech firms are collecting sensitive neural data with minimal oversight and limited use restrictions. The MIND Act directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish governance standards for neural data, ensuring its responsible use. The FTC will collaborate with stakeholders to design a neural data governance structure. Businesses in the neural data space are encouraged to establish self-regulatory standards to influence future legislation. The bill requires the FTC to investigate potential harms from neural data abuses, such as insurance discrimination and targeted ads. Companies like Neuralink are already working with consumers' neural data, but clear regulations are lacking.
The MIND Act of 2025 seeks to protect consumers' neural data from misuse. It empowers the FTC to set governance standards and investigate potential harms. As neural data use expands, this legislation aims to ensure its responsible management and prevent abuses.
