Abstract
Human ICT implants can have various implications for human rights. In particular, the right to bodily integrity may be at stake due to the direct connection to the human body. In this chapter, the scope of the right to bodily integrity is discussed. A more detailed discussion on how the right is affected by implants is largely based on biotechnological implants. In this field, the distinction between therapy and enhancement, as well as implications of implants for the concept of the body and its integrity, has been largely debated. Subsequently, the right is approached with a focus on other, non-living implants. Specific emphasis is given on nanotechnological implants and information carriers. It also appears to be relevant whether the implant has an active or a passive functionality. Finally, some concluding remarks are made by pointing at additional challenges for human rights resulting from ICT implants.
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Notes
- 1.
For instance, as laid down in Article 3 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, dating from 2009.
- 2.
See for example, Article 2 para. 2 of the German Constitution and Article 11 of the Dutch Constitution; cf. also Chap. 2, Article 6 of the Swedish Instrument of Government (a part of the Swedish constitution).
- 3.
European Group on Ethics 2005.
- 4.
Professor at the University of Reading and the First self-proclaimed cyborg, see: http://www.kevinwarwick.com.
- 5.
Warwick 2002.
- 6.
Kamerstukken II 1976/77, 13 872, nr. 17.
- 7.
Koops et al. 2004, p 117.
- 8.
Koops and Groothuis 2007, p 172.
- 9.
Koops et al. 2004, p 124.
- 10.
Zoontjens 2000, p 180.
- 11.
Koops et al. 2004, p 125.
- 12.
Classical fundamental rights are, for instance, the right to bodily integrity and the right to life, whereas socio-economic rights are, for instance, the right to work, education, health and housing.
- 13.
Laid down in Article 10 of the Dutch Constitution.
- 14.
Article 2 [Personal freedoms] (2) Every person shall have the right to life and physical integrity. Freedom of the person shall be inviolable. These rights may be interfered with only pursuant to a law. Text (official translation) available at: http://www.bundestag.de/htdocs_e/parliament/function/legal/germanbasiclaw.pdf.
- 15.
De Hert et al. 2007, p 275.
- 16.
De Hert et al. 2007, p 275.
- 17.
Reuter 2003, p 57.
- 18.
Fukuyama 2002, p 124.
- 19.
Fukuyama 2002, p 128.
- 20.
Marshall 1999, p 86.
- 21.
In a criminal law context, criminals may be forced to have an implant which enables tracking and monitoring at a distance. This facilitates monitoring of convicted persons on probation or with home parole.
- 22.
Marshall 1999.
- 23.
Hartman 2007, p 69.
- 24.
This situation is future theoretical. However, there are cases where this has already happened, even though the treatments are prohibited by law.
- 25.
I excluded people who are unconscious or incompetent to give their consent, since they are usually legally represented by someone who is allowed to give consent for them. This is, however, another discussion which falls out of the scope of this contribution.
- 26.
Basically, these laws do apply, but most treatments like those mentioned are not allowed to be performed, so they take place in secret.
- 27.
Hogle 2005, p 697.
- 28.
Hogle 2005, pp 706–707.
- 29.
Hogle 2005, p 707.
- 30.
Fukuyama 2002, p 124.
- 31.
National Nanotechnology Initiative. See: http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what.
- 32.
Van Est et al. 2004, p 39.
- 33.
Martinac and Metelko 2005.
- 34.
Lebedev and Nicolelis 2006.
- 35.
A more technical description of the technology can be found in Wolpaw et al. 2002.
- 36.
Millán et al. 2004.
- 37.
Maynard et al. 2006.
- 38.
Rousse et al. 2007.
- 39.
For an overview of research on this aspect, see for example: Australia Government 2006.
- 40.
Maynard et al. 2006.
- 41.
- 42.
Koops et al. 2004, p 182.
- 43.
Commission of the European Communities 2007, p 18.
- 44.
Sandel 2007.
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Roosendaal, A. (2012). Implants and Human Rights, in Particular Bodily Integrity. In: Gasson, M., Kosta, E., Bowman, D. (eds) Human ICT Implants: Technical, Legal and Ethical Considerations. Information Technology and Law Series, vol 23. T.M.C. Asser Press, The Hague, The Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-6704-870-5_8
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