Neural Self-Custody: Who Holds the Keys to the Mind?

Neural Self-Custody: Who Holds the Keys to the Mind? argues that control over brain-computer interfaces cannot be reduced to ordinary data access, account settings or passive privacy rights. As neural systems collect, interpret and sometimes act upon information generated by the nervous system, the central question becomes who holds the credentials, permissions and operational authority over that relationship.

The work defines neural self-custody as meaningful and enforceable authority over neural information, access credentials, device operation, artificial-intelligence interpretation, permissions, modification and disconnection. It examines local-first processing, key control, delegated authority, emergency access, recovery without hidden master keys, portability, provider exit and continuity if a company disappears. Its core claim is that assistance, clinical supervision and technical support must remain subordinate to cognitive sovereignty: whoever controls the keys controls the interface, and whoever controls the interface possesses power over the person.