Digital Resurrection and Posthumous Identity: Toward a Cross-Cultural Neurorights Framework

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-24-2025

Journal

AJOB neuroscience

DOI

10.1080/21507740.2025.2519440

Keywords

Death; culture; ethics; memory; policy; posthumanism

Abstract

Digital resurrection technologies use artificial intelligence to recreate the voices, images, and personalities of deceased individuals, raising ethical concerns about memory, identity, and respect for the dignity of the deceased. This paper examines key neuroethical challenges, including mental privacy, cognitive liberty, and the authenticity of AI-generated representations. Rather than framing East-West differences as opposing cultural values, the paper identifies shared ethical concerns expressed through diverse practices. It proposes a cross-cultural governance framework based on universal principles: protecting mental privacy, ensuring faithful representations of identity, and preventing exploitation. Practical mechanisms include digital neural wills, tiered regulation based on technology capabilities, and structured family decision-making. By integrating evidence from neuroscience, law, and cultural studies, this framework aims to ensure that digital resurrection technologies support ethical remembrance rather than commodifying identity. Without proactive governance, these technologies risk distorting how societies remember and honor the deceased.

Department

Health Policy and Management

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