**Published** : 11/03/2025 **Last edited** : 11/03/2025 ___ ### **Definition** "[[Neural data]], as well as other data collected from a given individual or group of individuals through other biometric and biosensor data,’’ which could ‘‘be processed and used to infer mental states"[^1]. "Cognitive biometrics, as used here, encompasses data from both neural sources and other biosensors that can be processed to infer cognitive, affective, and conative states—collectively referred to as mental states. Where 'cognitive’ refers specifically to processes related to knowledge, understanding, and thinking, 'affective' pertains to emotions and feelings, and 'conative' "[^2]. [[neuroethics.space/Concepts and definitions/Digital phenotyping|Digital phenotyping]] is though considered cognitive biometrics. ### **Illustration** ```mermaid graph TD A[Cognitive Biometrics] --> B[Neural Data] A --> C[Non-Neural Data] C --> D[Digital Phenotyping] D --> E[Mobility Data] D --> F[Social Interactions] D --> G[Typing Patterns] D --> H[Voice Analysis] D --> I[Mental State Inference] I --> J[Cognitive States] I --> K[Affective States] I --> L[Conative States] C --> M[Behavioral measures] M --> I ``` ### **Source**s [^1]:First draft of the recommendation on the ethics of neurotechnology ([[2024 - UNESCO]]) [^2]: Magee, P., Ienca, M., & Farahany, N. (2024). Beyond neural data : Cognitive biometrics and mental privacy. _Neuron_, _112_(18), 3017‑3028. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2024.09.004](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2024.09.004)