From: ABlainey@aol.com
Date: Fri Jun 28 2002 - 04:18:44 MDT
In a message dated 27/06/02 23:18:14 GMT Daylight Time, tcowper@capital.net
writes:
>Isn't one of the definitions of the singularity the fact that predictions
about what will
>or will not occur become nearly, if not completely impossible? If that's
the case,
>the issue for me becomes - that time leading up to the singularity. What
happens
>to crime, criminals, terrorists and their use of powerful emerging
technologies?
This is a very worrying thought indeed and one that drove my original post.
Without doubt, criminals use new technology for their own gain as we all do.
This is also the case for Terrorists, Dictators and all the other
'Undesirables' in the world today.
Unfortunately the efforts to control the use of new technology is always
reactionary. Giving the criminals the advantage to use it before control is
in place. Even with legislation and control, there will always be those who
will use technology illegally or for use in illegal activities.
The thought of someone or terrorists using something like Nano tech is
truly Scary. The Taliban and Al Quiada already proved that they are willing
to use things such as the stock exchanges to fund their activities. The
Taliban's hate of technology didn't stop them using this or items such as
Guided missiles. So it would stand to reason that such groups would have no
problem using something like NanoTech to attack their enemies. After all from
their view point. Using technology to destroy a technological enemy would be
a fantastic victory. no? Of Course Allah will protect them from the grey goo.
That's just one example.
This whole subject is truly a can of worms and one that very few seem to have
dedicated any thought to.
>How much social turmoil does nanotech, AI, Genetic Engineering and the like
>create, how do criminals take advantage of that turmoil, and how do/can cops
deal
>effectively with both the resulting turmoil and the criminal exploitation of
it so that
>they themselves become part of the solution (the peaceful, safe transition
into a
>singularity) and do not contribute to the problems more turmoil,
destruction,
>government regulation, diminishment of liberty, fear, slowing or stopping
>technological progress, etc.)?
The general consensus seems to be that the coming of the singularity will
make the world a happy, smiley place where all our dreams will come true.
There has been much talk of how we must be careful of the development and
uses of new tech. I cant see how you can stop a runaway train by putting
government approved pieces of paper on the track. The only way to stop this
train is to not loose control of it in the first place.
I think we need a dedicated official group to at least discuss the
problems we are going to face, But to be honest I am beginning to feel like
we are already on the train and nobody knows where the breaks are, or even if
we have any.
I don't really have faith that any government has a grip on what is
coming. The Police have trouble dealing with current day criminals, let alone
Genetically engineered, nano tech toting groups. hell bent on taking things
away from the rest of us. As for politically or religiously motivated
terrorists!
Will we even reach the singularity? At this point I think the 'undesirables'
will make or break that one. Personally I think they have the upper hand.
Steve Mann's experience with the customs guys. Just highlights that we
already need to be thinking about the problem of law in a high tech world.
Has any legislation be made to protect people like Steve? I think the law is
a long way behind and few have the foresight to even recognise the coming
problem.
Alex
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