ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 43

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI)

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) technology provides a realistic path to human-computer fusion. It is an interdisciplinary area concerned with biology, neuroscience, engineering, computer science and applied mathematics amongst others. Meanwhile, broad BCI application prospects include medical treatment, human augmentation, military operations, education, entertainment, and other fields. The BCI industry shows tremendous growth. The global BCI market size was valued at USD 1.43 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.58% during the next decade. Multifarious background and applications led to diverse stakeholders involving academic researchers/institutions, industry, investors, users, ethics advocates and more.

Why we need BCI standards

The rapid development of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) technology and industry has led to a growing need for standardization to ensure the safety, efficacy, and interoperability of these devices.

Improved Safety:
One of the primary benefits of BCI standardization is improved safety for users. BCI technology involves the direct connection of the brain to an external device, which raises concerns regarding potential risks associated with the use of such devices. Standardization can help address these concerns by establishing safety requirements and protocols that BCI devices must meet. By implementing standardized safety protocols, BCI devices can be tested and certified to meet the highest safety standards, ensuring that they do not pose any harm to users.

Improved Interoperability:
Another important benefit of BCI standardization is the potential for increased interoperability between different devices. This is particularly important for commercially available products and applications of BCI, where different devices may need to work together to achieve a common goal. Standardized protocols can ensure that different BCI devices can communicate effectively and work together, allowing for more efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

Improved Accessibility:
Standardization of BCI technology can also lead to improved accessibility for users. By establishing minimum requirements for device design and performance, standardized protocols can ensure that BCI devices are more accessible to a broader range of users, including those with disabilities. This can result in improved quality of life for individuals who would benefit from BCI technology.

Aligned with SDOs:
The deliverables of JTC 1/SC 43 would align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.


The role of ISO/IEC JTC 1 in BCI standards

ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 43 is the first international standards committee in the field of BCI. The subcommittee is created as a systems integration entity where it will work with other ISO, IEC and JTC 1 committees. As stated in the scope, SC 43 will:

  • Serve as the focus and proponent for JTC 1’s standardization program on Brain-computer Interfaces, including the development of foundational standards
  • Provide guidance on Brain-computer Interfaces to JTC 1, IEC, ISO, and other entities developing applications of BCI

The work of SC43

SC 43 has set up 3 working groups, 2 advisory groups and 1 Ad-Hoc group covering the following aspects:

WG 1 on Foundational standards: 

WG 1 is responsible for the development of BCI foundational standards, such as vocabulary and reference architecture. Its current projects and preliminary work items (PWI) are as follows:
 ISO/IEC 8663 Information Technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Vocabulary

 ISO/IEC 27572 Information Technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Reference Architecture.

 PWI JTC1-SC43-4 Information Technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Hardware interfaces and protocols

WG 2 on Applications:

WG 2 aims to develop BCI use cases and applications, analyzing standardization requirements and developing cross-domain application standards. Its current projects and PWIs are as follows:

 ISO/IEC TR 27599 Information Technology – Brain Computer Interfaces – Use Cases

 PWI JTC1-SC43-5 Information technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Design considerations for BCI developers

 PWI JTC1-SC43-6 Information technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Guidance on context-based adaptive interfacing for multi-purpose BCl systems

 PWI JTC1-SC43-9 Information technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Application of non-invasive BCI for Disorders of Consciousness

WG 5 on BCI data:

WG 5 aims to develop BCI data framework and BCI Data processing standards regarding collection, representation, visualization, transmission and storage in BCI Data framework. Its current projects and PWIs are as follows:

 ISO/IEC TS 27571 Information Technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – BCI data format for Non-Invasive brain information collection.

 PWI JTC1-SC43-3 Information Technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Invasive BCI Multi-modal Neural Data Format

 PWI JTC1-SC43-8 Information technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Coding and decoding methods for non-invasive BCI

WG 9: Ethics and Trustworthiness

WG 9 is responsible for development in the following Brain–computer Interfaces areas: security, safety, privacy, and ethics. Its current projects and preliminary work items (PWI) are listed as below:

 PWI TR 62XXX-1 Information technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Overview of ethical and societal concerns

 PWI JTC1-SC43-2 Information technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Security and privacy requirements

AG 3, Chair’ s Advisory Group (CAG):
AG 3’s terms of reference is tracking the development of technologies in this field, finding the standardization requirements in this field, and developing business plans and roadmaps.

AG 4, Liaisons and Communications Advisory Group (LCG).
AG 4 has objectives to provide support for the liaisons and communications with other SDOs and strengthen the communications between SC 43 and its liaisons and other SDOs.

AhG 8: Testing and post market surveillance protocols for non-medical BCIs

The AhG 8 was established to facilitate the development of PWI JTC1-SC43-7 Information technology – Brain-computer Interfaces – Testing and post market surveillance protocols for non-medical BCIs.

The framework and guidelines will be developed with the aim of ensuring manufacturers inform users about the scope of testing, known limitations, and potential long-term side effects.