Pixelated Semantics

A machine for detecting thought crimes

The ABC reports Australian scientists have discovered "a way to track the electronic footpath of a single thought travelling through the human brain... the latest developments in scanning techniques allow brain experts to track responses in the brain from particular movements and thoughts, in real time." Though this "discovery" may have benefits for some, there is also the distinct possibility this technology will contribute to the oppression of individuals whose thought-patterns do not match "official" requirements. There is immanent danger in technology capable of taking society further down the road to establishing "thought crimes" in the context of these times; whatever the benefits, the potential for abuse should not be ignored. We may also be able to rely on the complexity of the human organism to blind-side researchers, but not indefinitely. "The electronic footpath of a single thought" could well become a super-highway for machines that detect "thought crimes". And again, the "benefits for children / convenience for consumers" arguments are used to sell an unwanted technology that is likely to eventually oppress people of all ages and inclinations - such as the school district of Spring, Texas adopting RFID as a way to track students' arrival and departure, or the Spanish clubbers who seem content to use implants to purchase their drinks.

Item posted by AutoEditor at 11:16 am ::