BIS to Hold Brain-Computer Interface Tech Conference as It Considers Export Controls

The Bureau of Industry and Security will hold a two-day conference this month to help it better understand emerging brain computer interface (BCI) technology as it considers potential export controls. The public conference, which will be both in person and virtual Feb. 16-17, comes a little more than a year after the agency requested public comments on potential BCI export restrictions (see 2110250011).

BIS said it’s hoping to hear from industry and academic experts on the “future developments” of the technology, which is viewed as having a range of potential medical, multimedia and entertainment uses (see 2110250011). The agency is considering export controls because the technology also may have certain defense uses, including in unmanned military operations, and could affect U.S. national security.

In response to the BIS request for comments, companies and universities last year said new export restrictions could stifle U.S. competitiveness and slow academic research (see 2201100010). BIS said the “majority” of commenters said BCI technology should not be controlled because it can be used for medical purposes to assist paralyzed patients. “These comments highlighted the fact that BCI technology is currently being monitored for future advances and commercialization,” the agency said in a notice released last week.

But given the “limited number of comments, and the innovations made in BCI technology in the intervening years, BIS hopes to obtain additional information at the BCI conference, including as to innovations, current research initiatives and applications, and information regarding national security implications,” the agency said. Information obtained during the conference will help the agency determine whether it should pursue “potential regulation under the Export Administration Regulations.”

The agency also said it’s “not seeking consensus advice or recommendations from the invited speakers or any members of the public” during the conference. Instead, BIS is “interested in learning from the perspectives of individuals in their own capacity or as members of a company or entity.”

The first day of the conference will focus on “understanding the neurotech industry” and will feature speakers from “leading companies and academic institutions involved in BCI technology who will address patient advocacy for obtaining BCI technology for patients, government funding for BCI technology, BCI technology state of the art and applications, and the importance of developing BCI technology further and expanding its usage,” BIS said. Other speakers will include “leaders in the BCI technology industry and community.” The second-day agenda is being finalized but will include remarks from BIS officials on export controls and other speakers who will discuss dual-use applications for BCI technology.

People who wish to make a presentation must submit an email by 5 p.m. EST Feb. 10 to Betty.Lee@bis.doc.gov with their name, job title, organization name, contact information, a description of why they are interested in speaking, a copy of any slides that will be used, and indication of whether they will be attending in person or virtually. Presentations must be 10 minutes or less. BIS will notify persons selected to speak by 5 p.m. EST Feb. 14.