Rarely, you get a chance to get perspective on impact of
Technology innovation on societies by a legal
counselor, who understands both the nuances and capabilities of new
technologies and also different perspectives and concerns around these
technologies seen from wide range of stakeholders.
What, if government asks for an enterprise data from tech
company, at the same-time restrict the tech company to let the concerned enterprise
know about the request? What if the government asks of global
tech companies, for information that resides in data-center located in another
country? The bigger question is that shall as owner of my face, do I deserve to
be asked by tech companies before using my facial signature for whatever
purpose, especially when I fear this may lead to bias or discrimination?
Brad smith brings to life, with help of instances, the balancing acts tech companies have
to ensure, between individual and enterprise privacy rights and governments
rights to know for genuine reasons of preventing or investigating crimes or
public safety, for example. He goes on
to describe the evolutionary path tech sector has gone through to help address
these challenges situations in a principled, legally supported (CLOUD ACT),
technology enabled (say encryption) manner, and also given the Microsoft’s
stand on some of the contentious concerns.
The initiatives and demands made by some governments (Denmark,
NZ or EU) often forces global tech companies to develop solutions that would
become easy to be offered across the globe.
Microsoft commitment to offer same level of protection to all customers
irrespective of their location across the globe, means that the most demanding customers or stringent
regulations define the base level for privacy for all, across the globe.
Similar set of interesting questions and relevant lessons
from history are raised around Cybersecurity, rural broadband, social media, public
safety and use of AI.
Brad presents a
very balanced assessment of likely
impact of AI on workforce, using impact of introduction of automotive and
replacement of horses as historical disruption that created new industries (eg.
Consumer credit) and decimated existing ones (farms producing horse feeds,
eg.). Yes, in the intermediate, there
would be economic losers and winners, but in the long run technological
advancements leads to overall improvement in quality of life for all. Most important question, and most difficult
to answer, is how soon will AI type of
technologies become mainstream! Agreed.
As Bill gates puts it, BRAD SMITH offers a clear view of the
questions raised by new technologies- and yes, also his suggestions of path
forward, that needs considered deliberations among the stakeholders- Governments and Company Management.
Governments,
especially within democracies, needs to act fast to match the pace of
technology innovation. Brad suggests
that governments approach towards regulation needs to be similar to introducing
minimum viable product (regulations) and then build up as more data, experience
and understanding comes their way.
Waiting to understand technology in its full nuances and its impact in
totality, in quest for comprehensive fool-proof regulation may not work.
As Technology
companies are global, their effective regulation would require
multi-lateral comity of nations coming together to design and agree to global
standards and principles for regulations- which in increasingly complex world
is difficult to achieve. Brad has hope
on the part of the 75 odd democratic nations to form coalition of the willing,
to develop some common regulatory provisions and principles, with US taking the
necessary lead.
Self-regulation within
companies, are within the control of Companies Boards and can provide necessary
support in gaining and retaining stakeholders trust. Brad proposes principles based approach to handling
issues then case-to case handling of instances and then sticking to principles,
whatever be the cost help retain trust.
Microsoft, own decision by its ethics committee to refuse selling facial
recognition technology to Government, on citizens liberty concerns, is a case
in point.
Brad has very well brought forth the issues and concerns
facing linked to technology innovation and the increasing might and responsibilities
of global tech companies in defining better future for the globe, working with stakeholders
in a proactive, engaged and enlightened manner.
Off-course- this book is of interest to all, besides lawyers
and tech-professionals for whom it falls in must-read category. Don’t read too
much in its title though!
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