Reviewed by Richard Tutin
Not a day goes by when the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) comes up in either the media or conversation. Yet, as Marcus Smith explains in this book it is only one form of what can be called “Techno” – a shortening of the word technology.
Technology has become a very necessary and, to many, an important part of our lives. We use smart phones and computers without giving either a second or even third thought. We use them all the time. If we want to know something we look it up using search engines such as Google. It is far easier to send someone a text or message via WhatsApp or some other platform than calling them using the phone. In fact, our smart phones have become more personal computer devices than the personal computer itself since they are with us all the time.
Even our television viewing is technologically controlled via streaming services to the point where free to air television finds it difficult to be viable due to the downturn in advertising. When it comes to our shopping habits, techno is everywhere from the time we enter the store to the point where we use the checkout to finalise a transaction. If an item is not in stock, we are advised to go to the firm’s website and buy it online.
As AI gets to know us more by gathering data on our habits and speech and we use social media to stay in touch for news and entertainment, Smith raises the important questions of regulation and ethics as we learn to live with something we essentially created.
How do governments approach these issues especially when technology can be used as a vehicle for online bullying amongst our young people? Smith urges us to consider more seriously using regulation and cooperation to gain a more equitable playing field when it comes to using technology in a more wholesome manner.
Australia, it seems, is being seen as a world leader in this regard. The current investigation by the Australian Government into possibly restricting the age at which young people can access social media is one of the many measures that have been examined over the years. Yet, as Smith says, more cooperation at all levels of government needs to occur if anything meaningful is to be achieved.
It’s not all bad news when it come to using technology. In areas such as medical research and application, technology is assisting practitioners do procedures and detection that will enhance a patient’s wellbeing by shortening the need for anything that is very invasive.
Smith sees regulating technology as an international issue given its pervasive nature and the way in which many countries have adopted it for their own situations and possible ends.
This is a timely book in the way it examines what has been occurring in the realm of how humans have been, through regulation and examination, relating to or not relating to what can be a very invasive part of life. It’s something though that will not change because we cannot go backwards. Our challenge is to work out how to go forwards in ways that are beneficial to all.
Marcus Smith has a PhD from the Australian National University and a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge. He is an associate professor in law at Charles Sturt University where he researches and teaches technology law and regulation. He has published a wide range of books and articles on the subject, and has delivered presentations around the world, including in China, India, Europe, the United States and the United Kingdom. He previously worked in legal, policy and research positions in the Australian government.
Techno: Humans and Technology
by Marcus Smith
(2024)
UQP
ISBN 978 07022 6641 6
$34.99; 240pp