As technology advances, its complexity and interconnectedness grow as well. Modern cars, airplanes, medical devices, financial transactions, and power grids rely heavily on sophisticated computer software, making them more challenging to understand and control. Government and corporate surveillance depend increasingly on digital technologies and artificial intelligence, reducing human-to-human contact and increasing the potential for biases to become ingrained in our systems without our awareness. Advances in bioengineering introduce new philosophical, political, and economic questions about the relationship between humans and nature. Additionally, the management of these technologies often occurs remotely through the cloud, distancing control from direct human or social influence. This has led to a new field of research focused on making technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things more explainable due to their inherent complexity.
The growing intricacy of technology underscores the need for scholars to examine how these advancements impact life globally, both positively and negatively. It is crucial to develop social, political, and legal tools to guide technology towards beneficial outcomes. Despite the rapid pace of technological change, many countries are just beginning to regulate computer technologies and reconsider the rules governing global data flows and technology exchanges across borders.
These are exciting times for both technological development and technology policy. While our technologies have become more advanced and complex, our understanding of how to leverage, protect, and constrain them has also evolved. Government and institutional policies largely determine the structures of technological systems, influencing social organization and agency. These structures range from open, decentralized systems to tightly controlled, hierarchical models. As our understanding of technology governance grows, so too does our awareness of the social, cultural, environmental, and political dimensions of emerging technologies. Recognizing the full spectrum of technology’s impact on society and identifying the tools to influence these changes is vital.
Promises and Pitfalls of Technology
Technology holds immense promise for addressing societal challenges such as climate change, famine, and disease. For proponents of innovation, technology is a key economic driver. However, technology can also perpetuate biases in automated decision-making processes, exacerbate economic and social inequalities, and create new forms of weaponry. The term “technology” has evolved from denoting individual machinery to representing large-scale systems that progress semi-autonomously, raising concerns about control and impact.
The debate over technology often features two opposing views: an optimistic perspective that sees technology as a tool for achieving greater goals, and a pessimistic perspective that believes technology has surpassed human control. Neither view fully captures the nuances and complexities of our relationship with technology. In-depth analysis is needed to understand the diverse impacts of technological advancements and how they unfold globally.
Technological impacts are often unpredictable, as technologies are adopted in unforeseen ways. The internet, for example, was designed to facilitate information exchange but has become a hub for commerce, crime, and political influence. Social media platforms, intended for personal connection, have become focal points for political controversies. Cryptocurrencies, initially envisioned as decentralized digital cash, have created significant environmental challenges. Anticipating and managing these unintended consequences is essential for technologists and policymakers.
Politics and Privacy
Nations approach technology governance differently, reflecting their legal and regulatory philosophies. Europe, guided by the precautionary principle, implements anticipatory regulation to address technological risks. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation exemplifies this by protecting individuals’ data and addressing future uses for AI and automated decision-making. Germany’s Technische Überwachungsvereine (TÜVs) regularly inspect technological systems to minimize risks. In contrast, the United States relies on litigation and liability regimes to address safety and security issues post-factum. These approaches highlight the tension between rapid technological development and safety, security, and individual control.
International and nongovernmental organizations also contribute to setting standards and norms for new technologies. These entities aim to define appropriate boundaries for government use of technology for state control.
Policymakers face scrutiny for their decisions on technology regulation and adoption, while technology firms and designers are increasingly criticized for the social and political implications of their creations. The pressure on technologists to consider social impacts early in the design process is growing, though systematic mechanisms for assessing these impacts often lack real influence.
Private-Sector Influence and Big Tech
Tech companies often struggle to address the social problems exacerbated by their innovations, pointing to governments and lawmakers for solutions. However, governments face challenges in setting and enforcing standards for an evolving tech landscape. The tech sector’s economic significance further complicates regulation.
The power wielded by major tech companies raises concerns about their influence, sometimes surpassing that of governments. Antitrust considerations and the use of tech platforms for political purposes highlight the need for effective oversight. Private-public partnerships in energy, transportation, medical, and cyber technologies blur the lines between sectors, complicating governance.
State Competition and Conflict
Technological competition between countries, particularly between the United States and China, has significant international ramifications. These conflicts influence global infrastructure and innovation. Understanding the factors behind these tensions and their global impact is crucial for fostering domestic and international technological progress.
Global cooperation is essential for maintaining international technologies and networks, but achieving consensus on standards and norms remains challenging. Organizations like the International Organization for Standardization and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization work towards harmonizing policies, but significant disagreements persist.
Conclusion
The Technology and Global Change section aims to explore the global landscape of technology design, development, deployment, and assessment. This requires integrating knowledge from various fields, including sociology, political science, economics, history, engineering, climate science, and computer science. Understanding the intricate relationship between technology and its social, political, and legal contexts is essential for shaping a future where technological advancements benefit society as a whole. Scholars across disciplines are encouraged to contribute to untangling these complexities.