Q : Is
privacy desirable ?
A : Most certainly
– to the extent possible
Q : Is privacy sustainable ?
A : Doubtful
============================
Here is why :
The Smart
Jewelry Bracelet, which is currently a prototype, uses machine learning and a
multitude of sensors to analyse a user’s movements in order to detect an assault as
it is taking place.
Scientists have developed a
smart bracelet that can
automatically detect physical or sexual assault, scare off the attacker
and call for help.
Upon detection that
the user is in danger, it is programmed to emit a loud beeping sound and red
strobe lights begin to flash in an effort to scare the attacker off and to
alert other people who may be nearby.
The
bracelet contains a small microcontroller equipped with a gyroscope,
accelerometer, temperature and pressure sensors, GPS, and microphones.
“The
sensors allow the bracelet to
collect user activity and vital signs continuously,” said Jayun Patel, a
graduate research assistant at UAB.
Dolby Laboratories chief
scientist Poppy Crum tells of a fast-coming time when,
technology
will see right through
people ,
no matter how hard
they try to hide their feelings.
Sensors combined with
artificial intelligence can reveal , whether someone is,
* lying
* infatuated, or
* poised for violence,
Crum
detailed at a big ideas TED Conference.
“It is the end of the poker
face,” Crum said.
“ We
broadcast our emotions.
WE
WILL KNOW MORE ABOUT EACH OTHER THAN WE EVER HAVE.”
According
to the neuroscientist,
* Eye dilation reveals how hard a brain is
working,
* Heat radiating from the skin signals whether we are stressed or
even romantically
piqued.
* Carbon dioxide exhaled can signal how riled up someone,
or a crowd, is getting
* Micro-expressions and chemicals in breath reveal feelings.
* Timing of someone’s speech can expose whether they are at risk
of dementia,
diabetes,
multiple sclerosis, or bipolar disorder, according to the neuroscientist.
* Brain waves can indicate whether someone’s attention is
elsewhere in a room,
regardless of the fact their gaze is locked on
the person in front of them.
Technology exists to read such cues and, combined with artificial
intelligence that can analyze patterns and factor in context, can magnify
empathy if used for good or lead to abuses if used to oppress or manipulate,
said Crum.
“It is really scary on one level, but on another level it is
really powerful,” Crum said.
“We can bridge the emotional divide.”
=======================================================
Now the proposed law :
“ CONCERN FOR PRIVACY INCREASES IN DIRECT
PROPORTION TO THE AMOUNT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION / DATA , WHICH A PERSON WANTS
TO HIDE FROM THE PUBLIC “
During my walk this morning , I
met an illiterate / poor plumber from Bihar who moved to Mumbai 4 months ago
and is working on a construction site
For nearly 30 minutes , he was
having a video-chat on his smart phone , with his small daughter in his village
I asked him if he was worried that
the mobile service provider had captured and stored his entire conversation on
its computers
He answered : Humko koi farak
nahi padtaa ! Hume kya chhipaana hai ?
[ Makes no difference to me . What have I to
hide ? ]
I am glad , being close to 85
years of age , I am unlikely to be around in 2025 , when each and every piece of
furniture / device / gadget / artefact in my home, will transmit 24 hours ,
what I speak and do , to some computers all over the world !
16 April
2018
www.hemenparekh.in / blogs