Civic Hygiene – avoid building technologies that could be used by a police state
This opinion piece argues against the creation of government databases that collect sensitive personal information, citing the risk of misuse by future administrations. It emphasizes the concept of 'civic hygiene' in technology design to prevent the facilitation of a surveillance state.
Why it matters
Highlights the ethical responsibilities of technologists and policymakers in protecting civil liberties against potential government overreach.
data protection database dpa NaBloPoMo politics porn · 400 words · Viewed ~720 times
Imagine, just for a moment, that the Government wanted to keep a record of everyone's sexuality. They need to know this detailed demographic data because it will be highly useful in civic planning. It will help them work out what provision needs to be made for sexual health services, how many children are likely to be born, how many schools to build, etc.
You trust the Government, you voted for them, you and your friends have nothing to hide with regards to your sexuality.
But! Shock horror! After creating the database, the Government loses the election and the homophobes at UKIP get in to power!
Now they have a database of every gay in the village, and can harass then, try to "cure" them, or make their lives a living hell.
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