That was the question debated by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Matt Hancock along with Professor Helen Margetts, Director of the Oxford Internet Institute and Timandra Harkness a science writer, broadcaster and comedian.
In Creators and Consumers: What’s our role in responsibly designing the future? The panel carefully picked their way through whether or not light touch legislation or a more top-down approach is the answer.
Unsurprisingly there was no clear-cut resolution, but Hancock believed raising these issues was a key first step to debate between governments, media giants and the public. He said many tech companies “require a code of practice and the UK has the opportunity to lead.”
All three panelists agreed that new technology has created almost limitless opportunities along with unthought-of dilemmas. Professor Margetts believed social media had in many ways re-engaged disenfranchised members of society giving them a platform to debate topics including gun laws in America, and the recent abortion referendum in the Republic of Ireland. Harkness was concerned about the consequences if we don’t engage with these issues in a more proactive way.
If you missed this, you might like to go to event 148 The Digital Ape: How to live (in peace) with smart machines on Monday, 28 May at 2.30pm