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A practical-survival-guide-to-oseh
A practical-survival-guide-to-osehKarlos SvobodaThis document provides guidance and mantras for targeted individuals struggling with organized harassment. It discusses developing personal mantras to maintain one's core beliefs and sense of control against manipulative mind games. Health advice includes eating antioxidants, exercise, and avoiding psychiatrists when possible. The document also warns against negative thoughts, induced dreams, and sleep deprivation, providing strategies like meditation, nutrition and activity to cope. The overall message is to not give in to the harassment and take charge of one's thoughts and sanity through empowering mantras.
Bag of Pursuits and Neural Gas for Improved Sparse Codin
Bag of Pursuits and Neural Gas for Improved Sparse CodinKarlos SvobodaThis document proposes a new method called Bag of Pursuits and Neural Gas for learning overcomplete dictionaries from sparse data representations. It improves upon existing methods like MOD and K-SVD by employing a "bag of pursuits" approach that considers multiple sparse coding approximations for each data point, rather than just the optimal one. This allows the use of a generalized Neural Gas algorithm to learn the dictionary in a soft-competitive manner, leading to better performance even with less sparse representations. The bag of pursuits extends orthogonal matching pursuit to retrieve not just the single best sparse code but an approximate set of the top sparse codes for each point.
Emotional Multi-Agents System for Peer to peer E-Learning
Emotional Multi-Agents System for Peer to peer E-LearningKarlos SvobodaThe document describes EMASPEL, an emotional multi-agent system for peer-to-peer e-learning. The system uses multiple agent types, including interface agents, emotional agents, curriculum agents, tutor agents, and emotional embodied conversational agents. Emotional agents analyze learners' facial expressions to recognize emotions, while embodied conversational agents express emotions through facial animations. Together this allows the system to personalize instruction based on learners' cognitive and emotional states.
Survey of accountability, trust, consent, tracking, security and privacy mech...
Survey of accountability, trust, consent, tracking, security and privacy mech...Karlos SvobodaThis survey examines accountability, trust, consent, tracking, security and privacy mechanisms used by online service providers. It analyzed these features at various private and public organizations through anonymous online surveys and desk research. While practices vary, some trends emerged. Many organizations lack coherent privacy strategies and request guidance on privacy impact assessments. Commercial companies aim to balance privacy and marketing goals, but assurance of long-term anonymous data storage needs improvement. Overall more awareness of privacy concepts is needed to maintain user trust in EU online services.
Stalking victimization in the us
Stalking victimization in the usKarlos SvobodaThis document summarizes the key findings of the National Crime Victimization Survey on stalking victimization in the United States. The main points are:
1) During a 12-month period, an estimated 3.4 million persons age 18 or older were victims of stalking, which is defined as a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.
2) About half of stalking victims experienced at least one unwanted contact per week from the stalker, and 11% said they had been stalked for 5 years or more.
3) Women faced a higher risk of stalking than men, and nearly 3 in 4 stalking victims knew their offender in some capacity. More than
Vint big data research privacy technology and the law
Vint big data research privacy technology and the lawKarlos SvobodaThis document discusses privacy issues related to big data. It begins by describing how organizations use big data to target customers for marketing purposes, but often do so without transparency around what customer data is being collected and how it is used. This can undermine customer trust and privacy. The document advocates for transparency, choice, and an approach called "Privacy by Design" to help address privacy concerns while enabling the benefits of big data. It also examines the complex legal and technical challenges around privacy as data practices continue to evolve rapidly. The overall goal is to develop solutions that respect individual privacy and allow both individuals and organizations to benefit from big data.
Caat box of rabbit with the tata box of cattle,buffalo camel and rat
Caat box of rabbit with the tata box of cattle,buffalo camel and ratKarlos SvobodaThe document summarizes a study that characterized the promoter region of the ovine αS1-casein gene. Key findings include:
1) The ovine αS1-casein gene promoter sequence was 2185 bp long and showed many differences compared to the bovine sequence, including deletions, substitutions, and a 12 bp addition.
2) Computational analysis identified various regulatory elements in the promoter region, including hormone responsive elements and mammary gland-specific transcription factor binding sites.
3) Comparison with other species showed the ovine sequence had high homology to goat and bovine αS1-casein gene promoters.
Human Performance Human Performance Human Performance
Human Performance Human Performance Human PerformanceKarlos SvobodaThis document summarizes a report on the potential for adversaries to exploit advances in human performance modification and create threats to national security. It evaluates the present capabilities in areas like pharmaceutical cognitive enhancement and brain-computer interfaces, and considers how future developments could be used. Key areas discussed include the effects of sleep deprivation on military effectiveness, brain plasticity and new neuropharmaceuticals, and non-invasive and invasive brain-computer interfaces. The report provides findings and recommendations for monitoring these fields and maintaining expertise to evaluate potential threats.
Human vs and part machine - TVP magazine
Human vs and part machine - TVP magazineKarlos SvobodaHuman abilities such as vision, hearing, strength and mobility are extremely limited and obsolete without tools. Various machines and technologies have surpassed and continue to surpass human capabilities in many areas. Robotic systems can see better over longer distances, hear a wider range of frequencies, lift far greater weights, move faster and with more endurance than humans. While humans invented sophisticated tools, those tools are now transforming what it means to be human as society relies on machines for most tasks.
Moral science - Human subjects
Moral science - Human subjectsKarlos SvobodaProtecting Participants in Human Subjects Research Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
Existential Risk Prevention as Global Priority
Existential Risk Prevention as Global PriorityKarlos SvobodaThis document discusses existential risk, which is defined as risks that could cause human extinction or permanently and drastically curtail the potential of humanity. The author makes the case that existential risk reduction should be a top global priority for the following reasons:
1) Even small reductions in existential risk have enormous expected value due to the astronomical potential for future human life and development.
2) The largest existential risks are anthropogenic and linked to potential future technologies like advanced biotech, nanotech, and AI.
3) A moral argument can be made that existential risk reduction is more important than any other global issue due to the infinite value of the future of humanity.
4) Efforts should
A taxonomy for descriptive research in law and technology
A taxonomy for descriptive research in law and technologyKarlos Svoboda
Brain computer interaction and medical access to the brain
Brain computer interaction and medical access to the brainKarlos SvobodaThis paper discusses current clinical applications and possible future uses of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as a means for communication, motor control and entertainment. After giving a brief account of the various approaches to direct brain-computer interaction, the paper will address individual, social and ethical implications of BCI technology to extract signals from the brain.
These include reflections on medical and psychosocial benefits and risks, user control, informed consent, autonomy and privacy as well as ethical and social issues implicated in putative future developments with focus on human self-understanding and the idea of man. BCI use which involves direct interrelation and mutual interdependence between human brains and technical
devices raises anthropological questions concerning self-perception and the technicalization of the human body.
A rights based model of governance - the case of human enhancement
A rights based model of governance - the case of human enhancementKarlos SvobodaThe current development of technology and scientificresearch may give rise to several
applications on human beings. In this context, emerging technologies can further foster
the applications on human beings and pave the way for new and incisive research towards human enhancement (HE).
2
Thanks to emerging technologies, HE can be more
effective and represent a concrete challenge for present societies, also in Europe. Scientists of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, for instance, recently created a brain-synthesized estrogen that influences the synaptic structure,
function and cognitive processes by augmenting the networks among neurons (Svrivastava et al. 2010). Thus it could be a case of future brain-doping.
Ethics of security and surveillance technologies opinion 28
Ethics of security and surveillance technologies opinion 28Karlos SvobodaThis document discusses the ethics of security and surveillance technologies in the European Union. It summarizes numerous EU directives, regulations, communications and proposals related to data protection, communications surveillance, aviation security, border control, and law enforcement. It establishes the EGE's role in advising the EU on these issues and ensuring technologies respect fundamental rights and ethics.
Ethical aspect of ICT Implants in the Human body
Ethical aspect of ICT Implants in the Human bodyKarlos SvobodaThe document discusses ethical aspects of implanting information and communication technology (ICT) devices in the human body. It summarizes Opinion No. 20 issued by the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, which examines the ethical issues arising from ICT implants. The opinion addresses concerns regarding threats to human dignity, autonomy and privacy from implants that can permanently track individuals or remotely change the information contained. It notes some implants require special precaution due to risks of being difficult to remove, influencing psychic functions, or enabling social surveillance and manipulation.
Emerging Technoethics of Human Interaction with Communication, Bionic and Rob...
Emerging Technoethics of Human Interaction with Communication, Bionic and Rob...Karlos SvobodaAHS may be that f... system
In this deliverable, the protection and promotion of human rights is explored in connection with various case-studies in robotics, bionics, and AI agent technologies. This is done along various dimensions, prominently including human dignity, autonomy, responsibility, privacy,liberty, fairness, justice, and personal identity.
Ethical case-studies in robotics concern learning robots, unmanned combat air vehicles,robot companions, surgery robots, and a robotic street cleaning system. Case-studies illustrating current developments of the field with imminent potential applications comprise the robotic street cleaning system, surgery robots, and the unmanned air vehicles. Robots making extensive use of learning capabilities and robots acting as companions to human
beings represent somewhat more distant possibilities, enabling one to connect in meaningful ways an analysis of short-term ethical issues in robotics with a pro-active interest in longterm ethical issues.
The bionics case-studies considered here concern specific kinds of implants in the human body, investing the human peripheral or central nervous system, and other kinds of noninvasive brain-computer interfaces. These case-studies are closely related to the robotics case-studies, insofar as these bionic technologies enable one to connect to and often control robotic effectors and sensors. Ethical issues examined in connection with these technologies concern both a short-term perspective, mostly arising from their therapeutic uses, and a longterm perspective, mostly arising from the possibility of extending communication, control, cognitive, and perceptual capabilities of both disabled and non-disabled individuals.
This networking of humans with both robotic and computer-based information systems motivates the inclusion of a case-study about AI agent technologies in this report, concerning systems that have been with us for quite a while, that is, adaptive hypermedia systems for
educational applications. These technologies enable one to design and implement software agents that are similar to robotic agents, also from an ethical standpoint, insofar as they are capable of, e.g., autonomous action, reasoning, perception, and planning.
Ethical issues examined in this report will be amplified from the convergence of softbot and robotic technologies directly interacting with human beings and other biological systems by means of bionic interfaces. This long-term perspective shows that the case-studies examined here - which are significant in their own right from the isolated perspectives of robotics,bionics, and AI - can soon become parts of broader ethical problems that we will have to address and come with in the near future.
Neural devices will change humankind
Neural devices will change humankindKarlos SvobodaSome futurists and artificial intelligence experts envision credible scenarios in which synthetic brains will, within this century, extend the functionality of our own brains to the point where they will rival and then surpass the power of an or-ganic human brain. At the same time, humans seem to have no limitations when it comes to finding ways to attack the computerized devices that others have invent-ed. Attackers have successfully compromised computers, mobile phones, ATMs, telephone networks, and even networked power grids. If neural devices fulfill the promise of treatment, and enhance our quality of lives and functionality—which appears likely, given the preliminary clinical success demonstrated from neuropros-thetics— their use and adoption will likely grow in the future. When this happens, inevitably, a wide variety of legal, security, and public policy concerns will follow. We will begin this article with an overview of brain implants and neural devic-es and their likely uses in the future. We will then discuss the legal issues that will arise from the intersection among neural devices, information security, cybercrime, and the law.
Nanotechnology, ubiquitous computing and the internet of things
Nanotechnology, ubiquitous computing and the internet of thingsKarlos SvobodaThe aim of this report is to provide a review of current developments in nanotechnology, ubiquitous
computing and what is increasingly being referred to as “domotics” – the integration of domestic architectures (domus) with information systems and devices (imformatics). The report will also provide a preliminary analysis of the potential impacts of these developments on the right to privacy and to data protection.
These areas of technological development represent the convergence of two domains of current research – nanoscience and distributed computing. Much of the existing literature suggests that advances in nanotechnology are likely to operate as a underlying suite of techniques that will enable the development of miniaturised and distributed information systems and the integration of informatics devices into a range of everyday consumer goods and household architectures. As we outline below the convergence of nanotechnology and research in ubiquitous and distributed systems is likely to result in the development of a range of new sensor technologies and advances in surveillance and monitoring techniques, deployed in civilian, military and security contexts. For these reasons advances in nanotechnology and ubiquitous computing are likely to intensify existing concerns associated with data collection and the right to privacy.
In order to provide some background to our review of these issues in this section of the report we outline definitions of the field and current trends in surveillance, data-mining and monitoring.
Identity REvolution multi disciplinary perspectives
Identity REvolution multi disciplinary perspectivesKarlos SvobodaThe identity [r]evolution is happening. Who are
you, who am I in the information society ?
In recent years, the convergence of several factors – technological, political, economic –
has accelerated a fundamental change in our networked world. On a technological level, information
becomes easier to gather, to store, to exchange
and to process. The belief that more information
brings more security has been a strong political
driver to promote information gathering since September 11. Profiling intends to transform information into knowledge in order to anticipate one’s behaviour, or needs, or preferences. It can lead to
categorizations according to some specific risk criteria, for example, or to direct and personalized
marketing. As a consequence, new forms of identities appear. They are not necessarily related to our
names anymore. They are based on information,
on traces that we leave when we act or interact,
when we go somewhere or just stay in one place,
or even sometimes when we make a choice. They
are related to the SIM cards of our mobile phones,
to our credit card numbers, to the pseudonyms
that we use on the Internet, to our email addresses,
to the IP addresses of our computers, to our profiles… Like traditional identities, these new forms of
identities can allow us to distinguish an individual
within a group of people, or describe this person as
belonging to a community or a category.
MBAN medical body area network - first report and order
MBAN medical body area network - first report and orderKarlos SvobodaThis document from the Federal Communications Commission establishes rules to permit new Medical Body Area Network (MBAN) devices to operate in the 2360-2400 MHz band. It adopts rules allowing secondary, non-interference based MBAN operations under a license-by-rule framework. It also establishes a registration and coordination process for MBAN users in the 2360-2390 MHz portion of the band to address compatibility with incumbent operations. The document proposes criteria for designating a frequency coordinator to manage these registration and coordination activities.
Intimate technology - the battle for our body and behaviour
Intimate technology - the battle for our body and behaviourKarlos SvobodaThe document discusses how technology is becoming more intimate through devices that are inside our bodies, between us, that know information about us, and mimic human behaviors and traits. It explores how this is leading to humans being viewed more as machines that can be improved, machines taking on more human-like qualities, and changes to human interactions. Key questions raised include how close technology can and should get to us and whether intimacy and technology can truly be compatible concepts.
Human enhancement
Human enhancementKarlos SvobodaFor ages, humans have developed cures for diseases and devised techniques which make the hardships of life more endurable. All these were believed to make human life more
humane, i.e. to help humans to live out their inherent (natural, God-given) potentiality to a fuller extent. Recent technology, known as human enhancement, challenges this 'natural'normativity: going beyond restoring wellbeing and optimizing human potentiality, enhancement also develops capacities which can, in a sense, be called new. Chemicals have become available that increase physical performance in, for example the field of sports. Other chemicals enhance psychological endurance, mood, and cognition. Work is in progress on developing functional implants within the body, such as computer chips
integrated in the brain, with the aim of enhancing performance beyond what humans are naturally capable of. Changes are being made to body cells and systems, and techniques are being discussed to change human genes. Finally, techniques are being developed, and in part already applied, which extend the human life-span. Human Enhancement is about trying to make changes to minds and bodies – to characteristics, abilities, emotions
and capacities – beyond what we currently regard as normal.
Making perfect life european governance challenges in 21st Century Bio-engine...
Making perfect life european governance challenges in 21st Century Bio-engine...Karlos SvobodaThe STOA project ‘Making Perfect Life’ looked into four fields of 21st century bioengineering: engineering of living artefacts, engineering of the body, engineering
of the brain, and engineering of intelligent artefacts. This report describes the main results of the project.
The report shows how developments in the four fields of bio-engineering are shaped by two megatrends: “biology becoming technology” and “technology becoming biology”. These developments result in a broadening of the bioengineering debate in our society. The report addresses the long term viewsthat are inspiring this debate and
discusses a multitude of ethical, legal and social issues that arise from bioengineering developments in the fields described. Against this background four specific developments are studied in more detail: the rise of human genome sequencing, the market introduction of neurodevices, the capturing by information technology of the psychological and physiological states of users, and
the pursuit of standardisation in synthetic biology. These developments are taken in this report as a starting point for an analysis of some of the main European governance challenges in 21st century bio-engineering.
Ambient intelligence
Ambient intelligenceKarlos SvobodaAmbient Intelligence is a future vision where technology is integrated into people's environments and can understand and respond to their needs and behaviors. This report examines how Ambient Intelligence could impact healthcare. It identifies five levels of increasing intelligence - from embedding sensors to anticipating needs. Interviews with healthcare stakeholders explored opportunities and challenges around personalized care, like who has access to health data and for what purposes. Collective agreements are needed to ensure Ambient Intelligence enhances rather than threatens patient interests. The report aims to start a debate on these issues.
GRAY MATTERS Integrative Approaches for Neuroscience, Ethics, and Society
GRAY MATTERS Integrative Approaches for Neuroscience, Ethics, and SocietyKarlos SvobodaThis document discusses the importance of integrating ethics into neuroscience research. It notes that while neuroscience research raises many common ethical issues around privacy, consent and risk minimization, it also raises unique issues around privacy of thoughts, threats to personal volition and self-determination. Neuroscience highlights the complex relationships between human thought, emotion and action. The document emphasizes that integrating ethics into neuroscience research from the start can help address these issues and ensure research considers its societal implications. It provides recommendations to guide effective integration of ethics in neuroscience.
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Human vs and part machine - TVP magazine
Human vs and part machine - TVP magazineKarlos SvobodaHuman abilities such as vision, hearing, strength and mobility are extremely limited and obsolete without tools. Various machines and technologies have surpassed and continue to surpass human capabilities in many areas. Robotic systems can see better over longer distances, hear a wider range of frequencies, lift far greater weights, move faster and with more endurance than humans. While humans invented sophisticated tools, those tools are now transforming what it means to be human as society relies on machines for most tasks.
Moral science - Human subjects
Moral science - Human subjectsKarlos SvobodaProtecting Participants in Human Subjects Research Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
Existential Risk Prevention as Global Priority
Existential Risk Prevention as Global PriorityKarlos SvobodaThis document discusses existential risk, which is defined as risks that could cause human extinction or permanently and drastically curtail the potential of humanity. The author makes the case that existential risk reduction should be a top global priority for the following reasons:
1) Even small reductions in existential risk have enormous expected value due to the astronomical potential for future human life and development.
2) The largest existential risks are anthropogenic and linked to potential future technologies like advanced biotech, nanotech, and AI.
3) A moral argument can be made that existential risk reduction is more important than any other global issue due to the infinite value of the future of humanity.
4) Efforts should
A taxonomy for descriptive research in law and technology
A taxonomy for descriptive research in law and technologyKarlos Svoboda
Brain computer interaction and medical access to the brain
Brain computer interaction and medical access to the brainKarlos SvobodaThis paper discusses current clinical applications and possible future uses of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as a means for communication, motor control and entertainment. After giving a brief account of the various approaches to direct brain-computer interaction, the paper will address individual, social and ethical implications of BCI technology to extract signals from the brain.
These include reflections on medical and psychosocial benefits and risks, user control, informed consent, autonomy and privacy as well as ethical and social issues implicated in putative future developments with focus on human self-understanding and the idea of man. BCI use which involves direct interrelation and mutual interdependence between human brains and technical
devices raises anthropological questions concerning self-perception and the technicalization of the human body.
A rights based model of governance - the case of human enhancement
A rights based model of governance - the case of human enhancementKarlos SvobodaThe current development of technology and scientificresearch may give rise to several
applications on human beings. In this context, emerging technologies can further foster
the applications on human beings and pave the way for new and incisive research towards human enhancement (HE).
2
Thanks to emerging technologies, HE can be more
effective and represent a concrete challenge for present societies, also in Europe. Scientists of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, for instance, recently created a brain-synthesized estrogen that influences the synaptic structure,
function and cognitive processes by augmenting the networks among neurons (Svrivastava et al. 2010). Thus it could be a case of future brain-doping.
Ethics of security and surveillance technologies opinion 28
Ethics of security and surveillance technologies opinion 28Karlos SvobodaThis document discusses the ethics of security and surveillance technologies in the European Union. It summarizes numerous EU directives, regulations, communications and proposals related to data protection, communications surveillance, aviation security, border control, and law enforcement. It establishes the EGE's role in advising the EU on these issues and ensuring technologies respect fundamental rights and ethics.
Ethical aspect of ICT Implants in the Human body
Ethical aspect of ICT Implants in the Human bodyKarlos SvobodaThe document discusses ethical aspects of implanting information and communication technology (ICT) devices in the human body. It summarizes Opinion No. 20 issued by the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies, which examines the ethical issues arising from ICT implants. The opinion addresses concerns regarding threats to human dignity, autonomy and privacy from implants that can permanently track individuals or remotely change the information contained. It notes some implants require special precaution due to risks of being difficult to remove, influencing psychic functions, or enabling social surveillance and manipulation.
Emerging Technoethics of Human Interaction with Communication, Bionic and Rob...
Emerging Technoethics of Human Interaction with Communication, Bionic and Rob...Karlos SvobodaAHS may be that f... system
In this deliverable, the protection and promotion of human rights is explored in connection with various case-studies in robotics, bionics, and AI agent technologies. This is done along various dimensions, prominently including human dignity, autonomy, responsibility, privacy,liberty, fairness, justice, and personal identity.
Ethical case-studies in robotics concern learning robots, unmanned combat air vehicles,robot companions, surgery robots, and a robotic street cleaning system. Case-studies illustrating current developments of the field with imminent potential applications comprise the robotic street cleaning system, surgery robots, and the unmanned air vehicles. Robots making extensive use of learning capabilities and robots acting as companions to human
beings represent somewhat more distant possibilities, enabling one to connect in meaningful ways an analysis of short-term ethical issues in robotics with a pro-active interest in longterm ethical issues.
The bionics case-studies considered here concern specific kinds of implants in the human body, investing the human peripheral or central nervous system, and other kinds of noninvasive brain-computer interfaces. These case-studies are closely related to the robotics case-studies, insofar as these bionic technologies enable one to connect to and often control robotic effectors and sensors. Ethical issues examined in connection with these technologies concern both a short-term perspective, mostly arising from their therapeutic uses, and a longterm perspective, mostly arising from the possibility of extending communication, control, cognitive, and perceptual capabilities of both disabled and non-disabled individuals.
This networking of humans with both robotic and computer-based information systems motivates the inclusion of a case-study about AI agent technologies in this report, concerning systems that have been with us for quite a while, that is, adaptive hypermedia systems for
educational applications. These technologies enable one to design and implement software agents that are similar to robotic agents, also from an ethical standpoint, insofar as they are capable of, e.g., autonomous action, reasoning, perception, and planning.
Ethical issues examined in this report will be amplified from the convergence of softbot and robotic technologies directly interacting with human beings and other biological systems by means of bionic interfaces. This long-term perspective shows that the case-studies examined here - which are significant in their own right from the isolated perspectives of robotics,bionics, and AI - can soon become parts of broader ethical problems that we will have to address and come with in the near future.
Neural devices will change humankind
Neural devices will change humankindKarlos SvobodaSome futurists and artificial intelligence experts envision credible scenarios in which synthetic brains will, within this century, extend the functionality of our own brains to the point where they will rival and then surpass the power of an or-ganic human brain. At the same time, humans seem to have no limitations when it comes to finding ways to attack the computerized devices that others have invent-ed. Attackers have successfully compromised computers, mobile phones, ATMs, telephone networks, and even networked power grids. If neural devices fulfill the promise of treatment, and enhance our quality of lives and functionality—which appears likely, given the preliminary clinical success demonstrated from neuropros-thetics— their use and adoption will likely grow in the future. When this happens, inevitably, a wide variety of legal, security, and public policy concerns will follow. We will begin this article with an overview of brain implants and neural devic-es and their likely uses in the future. We will then discuss the legal issues that will arise from the intersection among neural devices, information security, cybercrime, and the law.
Nanotechnology, ubiquitous computing and the internet of things
Nanotechnology, ubiquitous computing and the internet of thingsKarlos SvobodaThe aim of this report is to provide a review of current developments in nanotechnology, ubiquitous
computing and what is increasingly being referred to as “domotics” – the integration of domestic architectures (domus) with information systems and devices (imformatics). The report will also provide a preliminary analysis of the potential impacts of these developments on the right to privacy and to data protection.
These areas of technological development represent the convergence of two domains of current research – nanoscience and distributed computing. Much of the existing literature suggests that advances in nanotechnology are likely to operate as a underlying suite of techniques that will enable the development of miniaturised and distributed information systems and the integration of informatics devices into a range of everyday consumer goods and household architectures. As we outline below the convergence of nanotechnology and research in ubiquitous and distributed systems is likely to result in the development of a range of new sensor technologies and advances in surveillance and monitoring techniques, deployed in civilian, military and security contexts. For these reasons advances in nanotechnology and ubiquitous computing are likely to intensify existing concerns associated with data collection and the right to privacy.
In order to provide some background to our review of these issues in this section of the report we outline definitions of the field and current trends in surveillance, data-mining and monitoring.
Identity REvolution multi disciplinary perspectives
Identity REvolution multi disciplinary perspectivesKarlos SvobodaThe identity [r]evolution is happening. Who are
you, who am I in the information society ?
In recent years, the convergence of several factors – technological, political, economic –
has accelerated a fundamental change in our networked world. On a technological level, information
becomes easier to gather, to store, to exchange
and to process. The belief that more information
brings more security has been a strong political
driver to promote information gathering since September 11. Profiling intends to transform information into knowledge in order to anticipate one’s behaviour, or needs, or preferences. It can lead to
categorizations according to some specific risk criteria, for example, or to direct and personalized
marketing. As a consequence, new forms of identities appear. They are not necessarily related to our
names anymore. They are based on information,
on traces that we leave when we act or interact,
when we go somewhere or just stay in one place,
or even sometimes when we make a choice. They
are related to the SIM cards of our mobile phones,
to our credit card numbers, to the pseudonyms
that we use on the Internet, to our email addresses,
to the IP addresses of our computers, to our profiles… Like traditional identities, these new forms of
identities can allow us to distinguish an individual
within a group of people, or describe this person as
belonging to a community or a category.
MBAN medical body area network - first report and order
MBAN medical body area network - first report and orderKarlos SvobodaThis document from the Federal Communications Commission establishes rules to permit new Medical Body Area Network (MBAN) devices to operate in the 2360-2400 MHz band. It adopts rules allowing secondary, non-interference based MBAN operations under a license-by-rule framework. It also establishes a registration and coordination process for MBAN users in the 2360-2390 MHz portion of the band to address compatibility with incumbent operations. The document proposes criteria for designating a frequency coordinator to manage these registration and coordination activities.
Intimate technology - the battle for our body and behaviour
Intimate technology - the battle for our body and behaviourKarlos SvobodaThe document discusses how technology is becoming more intimate through devices that are inside our bodies, between us, that know information about us, and mimic human behaviors and traits. It explores how this is leading to humans being viewed more as machines that can be improved, machines taking on more human-like qualities, and changes to human interactions. Key questions raised include how close technology can and should get to us and whether intimacy and technology can truly be compatible concepts.
Human enhancement
Human enhancementKarlos SvobodaFor ages, humans have developed cures for diseases and devised techniques which make the hardships of life more endurable. All these were believed to make human life more
humane, i.e. to help humans to live out their inherent (natural, God-given) potentiality to a fuller extent. Recent technology, known as human enhancement, challenges this 'natural'normativity: going beyond restoring wellbeing and optimizing human potentiality, enhancement also develops capacities which can, in a sense, be called new. Chemicals have become available that increase physical performance in, for example the field of sports. Other chemicals enhance psychological endurance, mood, and cognition. Work is in progress on developing functional implants within the body, such as computer chips
integrated in the brain, with the aim of enhancing performance beyond what humans are naturally capable of. Changes are being made to body cells and systems, and techniques are being discussed to change human genes. Finally, techniques are being developed, and in part already applied, which extend the human life-span. Human Enhancement is about trying to make changes to minds and bodies – to characteristics, abilities, emotions
and capacities – beyond what we currently regard as normal.
Making perfect life european governance challenges in 21st Century Bio-engine...
Making perfect life european governance challenges in 21st Century Bio-engine...Karlos SvobodaThe STOA project ‘Making Perfect Life’ looked into four fields of 21st century bioengineering: engineering of living artefacts, engineering of the body, engineering
of the brain, and engineering of intelligent artefacts. This report describes the main results of the project.
The report shows how developments in the four fields of bio-engineering are shaped by two megatrends: “biology becoming technology” and “technology becoming biology”. These developments result in a broadening of the bioengineering debate in our society. The report addresses the long term viewsthat are inspiring this debate and
discusses a multitude of ethical, legal and social issues that arise from bioengineering developments in the fields described. Against this background four specific developments are studied in more detail: the rise of human genome sequencing, the market introduction of neurodevices, the capturing by information technology of the psychological and physiological states of users, and
the pursuit of standardisation in synthetic biology. These developments are taken in this report as a starting point for an analysis of some of the main European governance challenges in 21st century bio-engineering.
Ambient intelligence
Ambient intelligenceKarlos SvobodaAmbient Intelligence is a future vision where technology is integrated into people's environments and can understand and respond to their needs and behaviors. This report examines how Ambient Intelligence could impact healthcare. It identifies five levels of increasing intelligence - from embedding sensors to anticipating needs. Interviews with healthcare stakeholders explored opportunities and challenges around personalized care, like who has access to health data and for what purposes. Collective agreements are needed to ensure Ambient Intelligence enhances rather than threatens patient interests. The report aims to start a debate on these issues.
GRAY MATTERS Integrative Approaches for Neuroscience, Ethics, and Society
GRAY MATTERS Integrative Approaches for Neuroscience, Ethics, and SocietyKarlos SvobodaThis document discusses the importance of integrating ethics into neuroscience research. It notes that while neuroscience research raises many common ethical issues around privacy, consent and risk minimization, it also raises unique issues around privacy of thoughts, threats to personal volition and self-determination. Neuroscience highlights the complex relationships between human thought, emotion and action. The document emphasizes that integrating ethics into neuroscience research from the start can help address these issues and ensure research considers its societal implications. It provides recommendations to guide effective integration of ethics in neuroscience.
Existential Risk Prevention as Global Priority
Existential Risk Prevention as Global PriorityKarlos Svoboda
A taxonomy for descriptive research in law and technology
A taxonomy for descriptive research in law and technologyKarlos Svoboda
Brain computer interaction and medical access to the brain
Brain computer interaction and medical access to the brainKarlos Svoboda
A rights based model of governance - the case of human enhancement
A rights based model of governance - the case of human enhancementKarlos Svoboda
Ethics of security and surveillance technologies opinion 28
Ethics of security and surveillance technologies opinion 28Karlos Svoboda
Ethical aspect of ICT Implants in the Human body
Ethical aspect of ICT Implants in the Human bodyKarlos Svoboda
Emerging Technoethics of Human Interaction with Communication, Bionic and Rob...
Emerging Technoethics of Human Interaction with Communication, Bionic and Rob...Karlos Svoboda
Nanotechnology, ubiquitous computing and the internet of things
Nanotechnology, ubiquitous computing and the internet of thingsKarlos Svoboda
Identity REvolution multi disciplinary perspectives
Identity REvolution multi disciplinary perspectivesKarlos Svoboda
MBAN medical body area network - first report and order
MBAN medical body area network - first report and orderKarlos Svoboda
Intimate technology - the battle for our body and behaviour
Intimate technology - the battle for our body and behaviourKarlos Svoboda
Making perfect life european governance challenges in 21st Century Bio-engine...
Making perfect life european governance challenges in 21st Century Bio-engine...Karlos Svoboda
GRAY MATTERS Integrative Approaches for Neuroscience, Ethics, and Society
GRAY MATTERS Integrative Approaches for Neuroscience, Ethics, and SocietyKarlos Svoboda