ETHICAL IMPACT OF EXISTING AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Existing and emerging technologies

Existing technologies are the technologies that are currently in use today whilst emerging
technologies refers to the technologies that are currently being developed or those that have the
potential to be developed in the near future within a period of 10 to 15 years. These technologies
are undergoing major developments and will have an impact on individuals, business and
society. Some common examples of emerging technologies are robotics, cloud computing,
artificial intelligence, virtual reality, ambient intelligent and affective computing.

Fig 6.12: New-generation robotics will increasingly have more autonomy and capacity to react without
preprogramming, which complicates current debates on robotics.

Impact on individuals
a) Privacy
Computer systems such as robotics or virtual reality could create and collect data about
individuals which is confidential. Questions such as what type and quantity of data is stored,
who will have access to the data and who will know about the existence and possible
implications from the data become pertinent when it comes to individual privacy

b) Autonomy

Emerging technologies enhances or decreases personal autonomy and self-control. For instance,
technology may enhance our capacities such as our cognitive and motor abilities, increasing our
control over our life. Also technologies like affective computing helps individuals monitor or
control their behaviour, attitude, emotions and thoughts. On the other hand, technologies like
robotics allow people to delegate tasks and decisions to computers. Thus, control is shifted from
people towards technology.
 c) Treatment of humans

Some ICTs manipulate individuals into performing unwanted or involuntary behaviour. Worse
still, some technologies can lead to addiction. Another issue is whether people are given the
opportunity to agree when interacting with the computer systems, for instance, are children asked
about their opinion when interacting with a virtual reality system.

d) Identity

Emerging technologies may change human capabilities, e.g. their ability to perform certain tasks
or the way they see themselves or one another. For instance, the use of robots may enhance
human functions and change our view on what it means to be a human.

e) Security

Although ICTs are a contributing to better security by use of surveillance systems, some
shortcomings are highlighted when it comes to ethical issues. Cyber-crimes such as cyber war,
espionage, state sponsored hacktivism and hacking have been on the rise because of the internet.
Furthermore, some technologies like cloud computing require sensitive data which poses a
security threat to individuals.

Impact on society
a) Digital divides

Emerging technologies have created inequality in the society between those who have access to
technology and those who do not. While other countries are developing with technology those
without access to the technology will be marginalised. Issues arise on the possible ways to
introduce the technology widely and the effect the marginalization will have on affected groups
or people.

b) Ownership, data control, and intellectual property

The control of data, software and intellectual property is difficulty with emerging technologies.
Control over cloud computing data or on-line profiles raises questions on ownership and data
control. It is also difficulty to guarantee that ownership of data, software and intellectual property
is respected. The issue of individual rights on data privacy becomes an issue.

c) Responsibility

Complexity of ICT systems makes it is difficult to determine who is responsible in case of

technology failure. For example, if an industrial robot harms an employee should we blame the
robot or the humans involved. Furthermore, issues like the legal framework the technology rely
on needs to be clear since in law only humans are capable of performing voluntary actions.

d) Cultural diversity
Emerging technologies function across national and cultural borders and as a result there is need
to respect cultural differences. However, the diversity of cultures make it difficult to establish
universal policies protecting privacy.

e) Social interaction

Most technologies such as robots will interact with humans in actual places rather than virtual
ones and this raises. This interaction will change the ethical concepts of human action and the
character of social interaction.

Legal implications

 The use of technologies such as virtual reality and robots cause legal challenges, as the laws
were not designed with this technology in mind.
 Current laws need to be adjusted to cover use of existing and emerging technologies to
protect the users.
 Since the technologies will operate in different countries, application of a universal law
becomes difficulty as laws differ from one country to another.

Cases Study

Robot swams

Researchers at Harvard University recently created a swarm of over 1000 robots, capable of
communicating with each other to perform simple tasks such as arranging themselves into shapes
and patterns. These tiny robots can be used to perform environmental cleanups or respond to
disasters where humans fear to go. The concept of driverless cars also relies on this system,
where the cars will communicate with each other to obey traffic and deliver passengers to their
destinations. The following are the ethical issues that arise:

 What happens when a robot malfunction and cause harm?

 Who would be blamed for such an accident?
 What if tiny swams of robots could be set up to spy or sabotage?