1. Chapter 10 Technology Issues
Week 9
Chapter 10 Technology Issues

2. The Nature of Technology
Technology relates to the application of knowledge, including the processes and applications for the solving of problems, performance of tasks, and creation of new methods to obtain desired outcomes.
Evolution:
Hunter/Gatherer
Agriculture
Industrial Revolution
Information Technology
Accelerating Change

3. Characteristics of Technology
Dynamic: Constant change that challenges the structure of social institutions to adjust.
I.e. transportation, information, communication.
Reach: Broad and pervasive impact.
Self-sustaining: Functions as a catalyst to spur even faster development.

4. Effects of Technology
Can provide new methods for handling tasks previously thought impossible.
Has increased productivity, output, and growth on a global scale.
Social and economic imbalances and unexpected consequences.

5. Is Quality of Life Really Improving?
“Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys which distract our attention from serious things. They are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which it was already but too easy to arrive at.”
Henry David Thoreau ~ Walden, 1854

6. Technology’s Influence on the Economy
A major factor in the economic growth in the U.S.
Educational technologies.
Increased support for gov’t-based research.
Commitment to research and development in the public and private sectors.
Also: increased efficiencies and productivity.
Economic growth brings more jobs and improved living standards.

7. Economic Concerns About the Use of Technology
Small businesses may be less able to take advantage of technological changes.
It creates a class breakdown between the “haves” and “have-nots.”
The ability to purchase technology affects the nature of competition.
It reduces privacy and encourages the growth of cyber crime.

8. The Internet Established for research 1971
Use exploded with intro of World Wide Web interface (1991) and Mosaic Browser (1993).
Emergence of Broadband (2000)
Wireless Expands (2002)

9. The Internet - Major Issues
Fraud
Privacy
File Sharing (Intellectual Property)
Offensive material
Spam
Hacking
Virus/worms (update your anti-virus software)

10. Fraud Auctions - shill bidding etc. Credit Card - 9 x greater on-line
Phone charges - hidden reconnects
Offer scams - money transfers, sham products etc
Fake web sites (spoofing) / s.
Driven by anonymity, quick access, low overhead, satellite access and lack of regulation.

11. The Internet and Privacy
Shopping on the Internet allows for businesses to track consumers.
Information can be collected on the Internet with or without a person’s knowledge.
Information can be shared and aggregated (opt-in vs. opt-out).
Though, technology also makes it easier for law enforcement to catch criminals.

12. The Internet and Privacy (cont.)
Cookies, & TCP/IP address
Phishing for info from children
Identity theft is of growing concern.
10,000 reported incidents per year
Account for 43% of compaints to FTC
Total $745 million in losses
Average $6,767 per incident

13. Gov’t Response to Privacy
Privacy Act (1974)
Right to Financial Privacy Act (1978)
Computer Security Act (1987)
Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act (1988)
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (1991)
Driver Privacy Protection Act (1993)
Fair Credit Reporting Act (1997)
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (2000)

14. International Initiatives on Privacy
European Union Directive on Data Protection mandates companies that collect personal information to explain how the information will be used and requires them to obtain permission from the consumer.
Direct Marketing Association of Canada has supported the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act establishing personal privacy rights.
Japan’s Electronic Network Consortium resolves issues with the Internet.

15. Privacy Officers and Certification
Privacy officers develop systems and policies to protect consumers’ interests, thus helping to deter government regulation.
Nonprofit organizations have helped in developing privacy policies.
Better Business Bureau Online
TRUSTe

16. Intellectual Property
Ideas and creative materials are developed to solve problems, carry out applications, and educate and entertain others.
Generally protected via patents and copyrights.
U.S. copyright laws work to protect original works in text form, pictures, movies, computer software, musical multimedia, and audiovisual works.
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (1998)
See for alternate viewpoint

17. Copyright Facts
Copyright notices are not necessary to protect private and original work created after April 1, 1989.
The fair use exemption allows for commentary, parody, and news reporting without the copyright holder’s permission.
Legal defense of a copyright is not necessary for maintaining a copyright.
Most copyright litigation is civil, not criminal.

18. Biotechnology
Using biology to discover, develop, manufacture, market, and sell products and services.

19. Biotechnology Issues Cost of Pharmaceuticals Stem cell research
Cloning
Genetic testing and profiling

20. Biotechnology Genetically Modified Foods
“Frankenfoods”
Safety of product
Safety of process/cross-pollination
Labeling issues
Traceability

21. Biotechnology Nonprofits
American Society for Bioethics and Humanities
GE Food Alert Campaign Center
National Coalition for Patient Rights
Do No Harm
Council for Responsible Genetics
Bioethics.net
Human Genome Research Institute

22. Strategic Technology Assessment
Technology assessments foresee the effect of new products and processes on a firm’s operations.
Used to evaluate performance and chart strategic courses of action in response to technology.
Allows estimation of the benefits of adopting a specific technology against the costs.