Just came across this articles, which I found interesting, that the identity of a person can be discovered with a facial recognition software, impacting privacy, security,etc.. if used without control and juridical measures.
Full text here.
Full text here.
Thanks for posting this, Ban.
ReplyDeleteMy immediate reaction was "are there not enough laws, at least within Europe, to deal with this already?" In other words, does yet another technological innovation require a specific law, or does it simply fall within the framework of existing, horizontal, regulation?
In some ways, the article fuels my argument that privacy is only necessary where there is informational imbalance — that, if everyone had access to all information about everyone, there would be no need for privacy, since we would be experts in contextual understanding, and because openness was not just reciprocal but absolute.
An argument about a government or dictatorship, whether at home or abroad, using these techniques is an interesting one. However, we are certainly not in a position to regulate powers abroad, other than by attempted secondary means — restrictions of exports and transfers of knowledge, for example. However, in terms of knowledge, algorithms and software, preventing information flowing freely is a real challenge, since it does not need shipping containers or air freight to be effected.
Are we fighting a pointless battle, in the sense that (a) we (whoever "we" might be) will not stop the use of this — potentially very useful — technology, and (b) perhaps we are fighting the wrong battle, pushing for closedness and privacy rather than openness?
Neil,
ReplyDeleteinteresting view which makes me think! you are right in questioning if we are fighting a pointless battle and if we are pushing for closedness... etc.
it is the mentality which is changing with the younger generation and we cannot change or control this by law, however education and legitimate use of the "public" private information need also to be secured! also the law needs to protect people from the misuse of their information.