3 ms·
In the long term technology like this will end privacy for those who want to participate in the modern economy. But you shouldn't assume it will happen in a 'to
by dejb 17y ago
In the long term technology like this will end privacy for those who want to participate in the modern economy. But you shouldn't assume it will happen in a 'top down' way that will benefit totalitarian governments. Totalitarian governments require secrecy to do their evil deeds.
Look at the spread of mobile cameras (mostly in phones). These have allowed many an injustice to be exposed. The police no longer feel like they have immunity to do whatever they want.
Consider the benefits of being able to scan the brains of those accused of crimes against humanity. If people understood that in the long term there are no secrets they would hesitate to do evil deeds.
- randallsquared 17y agoNot only that, but it should be perfectly clear now that if this technology is perfected and inexpensive in the future, then doing things now that you wouldn't want people to know about in the future is usually a bad idea as well. Act and think as though everything about your thoughts and actions will eventually be known to everyone who might be interested. I guess how you think and act, then, will be a measure of whether you want to be thought of as moral or interesting. ;)
- dkokelley 17y agoI think that our exposed thoughts would fall under freedom of speech in America. That, and the 5th amendment ("...nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself...").
- dejb 17y agoI'm not sure how relevant the constitution will be in a future where you can read peoples minds among other things.
- tophat02 17y agoBut don't forget the part about "without due process." I think that in the future, we will definitely see the use of technology like this to read the minds of accused felons. I also predict the court will declare this perfectly consitutional, as your right to privacy is effectively waived given the right court order (and the motivating "probably cause"). TRULY innocent people will probably like this tech a lot.