Throughout history, technology has shaped the nature of human society. From the use of gunpowder and nuclear explosives to the invention of sanitation and preventive medicine, technology has changed our lives in positive and negative ways.
New technologies have the potential to create forces of change from unexpected places. They can disrupt social hierarchies, create pollution, and even harm individuals. The risks and costs of a new technology vary widely and depend on who the main beneficiaries are.
New technologies are often the subject of formal regulation, public debate, and litigation. A range of international organizations work to develop rules for new technologies. Some countries rethink rules governing the flow of data across borders.
A large number of businesses use technology to deliver products and services on time, within budget, and meet consumer demands. Using communication technology tools, businesses promote new products, stay in touch with customers, and exchange information.
In addition, many countries are rethinking their rules governing the global flow of data. The General Data Protection Regulation focuses on security and automated decision-making threats. The Internet has also introduced new avenues for financial fraud.
The rapid development of technology can make it difficult to shape it. The optimum design takes into account all the constraints. Some of these constraints are absolute and others are flexible.
In order to design the optimum system, scientists need to determine what benefits and disadvantages are likely to occur. They can look as far into the future as is practical to assess these.