How Technological Advancement is Going to Affect Us

Introduction

The rapid advancement of technology in recent years has transformed the way we live, work, and interact. While these technological developments have brought about numerous benefits, they have also raised significant concerns about privacy and transparency. In this essay, we will explore how these technological advances are shaping our world and what the implications are for our personal privacy and the transparency of institutions and governments.

The Erosion of Privacy in the Digital Age

In today's digital age, privacy is a precious commodity that is increasingly difficult to preserve. The internet has given rise to cyber hackers, cyber terrorists, and data thieves who exploit their digital prowess to compromise even the most trusted websites and systems. Terms like "patent rights," "classified information," and "personal data" are now synonymous with the information being targeted and often stolen by these malicious actors. Moreover, the erosion of privacy is not limited to external threats; it is also exacerbated by the very platforms and technologies that we use daily.

Social media platforms have become ubiquitous in our lives, but they come at a cost: the erosion of personal privacy. Individuals voluntarily share vast amounts of personal information, including their locations, photos, family members' details, and contact information, on these platforms. The convenience and connectivity they offer often blind us to the fact that we are, in essence, relinquishing control over our personal data. The consequences of this loss of privacy can be dire, as it exposes us to risks such as stalking and identity theft.

Corporations are also significant players in the erosion of privacy. They collect and analyze vast amounts of data from users, often without their explicit consent or knowledge. This data collection enables businesses to target consumers with personalized advertisements and recommendations. While this may enhance the user experience, it raises concerns about the extent to which our online activities are monitored and used for commercial gain. The trade-off between convenience and privacy becomes increasingly apparent in this context.

The government's role in online surveillance has come under scrutiny, particularly in the wake of high-profile revelations like those from Edward Snowden. Government agencies, such as the National Security Agency (NSA), have been accused of violating online privacy rights through programs like PRISM. The controversy surrounding these revelations raises critical questions about the balance between national security and individual privacy. Are the risks of losing privacy justified by the need to protect citizens from potential threats? Whistleblowers like Snowden argue that the public has a right to know when their privacy is being compromised in the name of security.

Transparency as a Solution

Elizabeth Purdy's essay, "Online Privacy," provides compelling examples of the consequences of surveillance and the importance of transparency. She discusses the NSA's PRISM Program, which collected vast amounts of data on U.S. citizens through social media, emails, and voice-over-IP sessions. The program's revelation led to outrage and legal actions. Purdy argues that transparency is essential for holding organizations and governments accountable for their actions. When whistleblower Edward Snowden exposed the Verizon metadata program, it resulted in lawsuits and new legislation aimed at protecting online privacy rights. These examples illustrate how transparency can be a powerful tool in safeguarding individual rights.

Next, Peter Singer's essay, "Visible Man: Ethics in a World without Secrets," explores the concept of transparency as a means to promote ethical behavior. Singer introduces the idea of the Panopticon, a surveillance system designed to ensure constant observation. This concept raises questions about the extent to which privacy is an inalienable right and whether universal surveillance could lead to a more ethical society. Singer contends that sites like WikiLeaks, which reveal government actions and corporate abuses, play a crucial role in maintaining transparency. He cites the Rodney King beating incident as an example of citizen surveillance leading to justice and accountability. Singer emphasizes the importance of a transparent world where governments and institutions are held accountable for their actions.

Singer's essay highlights the role of sites like WikiLeaks in promoting transparency. WikiLeaks, along with other similar platforms such as Brussels Leaks and RU Leaks, allows the public to gain insights into government actions, corporate misconduct, and the protection of individual freedoms. Julian Assange, the creator of WikiLeaks, is seen by some as a hero advocating for a world of truth and transparency. Assange's belief is that a world where information is freely available would expose corrupt governments and reduce immoral acts. Despite criticism and legal challenges, Assange remains committed to his mission of transparency, even if it means risking lives. The impact of WikiLeaks is evident in its role in encouraging the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions and sparking protest movements in neighboring countries. Assange's actions challenge the status quo and highlight the potential benefits of a more transparent world.

Chuck Klosterman's essay, "Electric Funeral," takes a different approach by examining the stories of individuals who have shaped the technological landscape. He presents three distinct examples: Perez Hilton, Kim Dotcom, and Julian Assange. Each of these individuals has left their mark on the development of technology and its impact on society.

Klosterman begins by discussing Perez Hilton, a blogger known for his controversial methods of obtaining and exposing celebrity information. Hilton's approach drew both support and criticism. While some viewed him as successful and admired his business model, others condemned him for the invasive nature of his content. Klosterman explores the idea that Hilton's success was built on providing the public with what it craved, even if that content was considered unsavory. Hilton's rise to fame raises questions about the kind of content that thrives in the digital age and the ethical implications of catering to public demand.

Klosterman then turns to Kim Dotcom, a figure associated with cyber piracy through his creation of Megaupload. Dotcom's actions led to his arrest, as Megaupload became one of the largest pirating sites on the internet. Klosterman delves into Dotcom's motivations, which center on his belief that everything should be free. Dotcom criticizes the high cost of entertainment and envisions a future where access to media is unrestricted and accessible to all. This philosophy challenges traditional business models and raises concerns about intellectual property rights. Dotcom's actions and ideology underscore the tension between the desire for free access to information and the need to protect creators' rights.

Finally, Klosterman explores the role of Julian Assange, the creator of WikiLeaks, in shaping the digital landscape. Assange's commitment to transparency and the disclosure of sensitive information has made him a polarizing figure. He believes that a world of truth and transparency can lead to a reduction in corruption and immorality. Despite facing legal challenges and criticism, Assange remains resolute in his mission. Klosterman acknowledges the complexity of Assange's actions and their potential consequences, both positive and negative.

Klosterman concludes his essay with a provocative statement: "They [cyber thieves] believe everything longs to be free. And they will make that happen because they know how to do it, and we don't know how to stop them." This statement underscores the inevitability of technological progress and the challenges it poses to traditional norms and boundaries. Whether we view these cyber thieves as villains or catalysts for change, their actions are reshaping our world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rapid advancement of technology has ushered in an era of unparalleled connectivity and convenience. However, it has also led to the erosion of personal privacy and raised important questions about transparency and accountability. The works of Purdy, Singer, and Klosterman offer valuable insights into the complex relationship between technology and society. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it is essential to strike a balance between preserving individual privacy and promoting transparency. Only time will reveal the true impact of these technological changes on our society, but it is our responsibility to engage in thoughtful discourse and decision-making to shape a future that respects both privacy and transparency.

References

1. Purdy, E. (2013). Online Privacy. In Encyclopedia of Cyber Behavior (pp. 821-828). IGI Global.
2. Singer, P. (2008). Visible Man: Ethics in a World without Secrets. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/01/visible-man/306579/
3. Klosterman, C. (2011). Electric Funeral. In I Wear the Black Hat: Grappling with Villains (Real and Imagined) (pp. 104-122). Scribner.
4. Assange, J. (2012). Cypherpunks: Freedom and the Future of the Internet. OR Books.
5. Greenwald, G. (2014). No Place to Hide: Edward Snowden, the NSA, and the U.S. Surveillance State. Metropolitan Books.
6. Newman, N. (2019). Understanding the Digital Media Ecosystem: Review of Research on the Political Implications of Digital Media. SSRN. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3332424
7. Warren, M. (2018). The Ethics of Online Privacy: A Systematic Mapping of the Literature and Implications for Future Research. Science and Engineering Ethics, 24(4), 1351-1397. doi:10.1007/s11948-017-0003-y