From Controversy to Consensus: Evolution of Trust & Security in Tech
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities related to promoting safety and responsibility in the tech industry, drawing lessons from the medical field and predicting future trends in adoption of trust and security which provides immediate competitive advantages, even in the tech sector and especially in medicine.
Written +With Prompts By: Sherri Douville, CEO at Medigram | Chair, TTIC
The Controversial Vocabulary of Tech: Safety and Responsibility in the Spotlight
In recent years, the terms “safety” and “responsible” have become contentious in certain tech circles. These words, which inherently carry positive connotations, have sparked debates over their implications and applications in the technology industry. Understanding the roots of this controversy, contrasting it with the medical field, and examining the efforts of platforms like ChatGPT to promote information integrity can provide insights into the future acceptance of safety in tech.
The Historical Context
The technology industry, particularly the sectors focused on social media, AI, and data privacy, has faced increasing scrutiny over the past decade. High-profile data breaches, misinformation campaigns, and concerns about AI ethics have driven the demand for enhanced safety and responsibility measures. However, the implementation of these measures has not been straightforward.
- Perception of Overreach: Safety measures often involve increased moderation and surveillance, which can be perceived as infringing on user freedom and autonomy. This has led to accusations of censorship and overreach, making “safety” a loaded term.
- Ethical Debates: The term “responsible” brings ethical considerations to the forefront, sparking debates about the moral obligations of tech companies. The lack of consensus on ethical standards and who should enforce them adds to the controversy.
- Regulatory Ambiguity: The tech industry operates in a rapidly changing regulatory environment. The absence of clear, universally accepted guidelines for safety and responsibility complicates efforts to implement consistent measures.
Contrast with Medicine
In contrast, the medical field embraces safety and responsibility as fundamental principles. The Hippocratic Oath, taken by physicians, emphasizes “do no harm,” reflecting the intrinsic value placed on patient safety and ethical medical practices. Regulatory bodies like the FDA in the U.S. enforce strict safety standards for medical products and procedures.
- Established Standards: Medicine has long-established safety protocols and ethical guidelines, making the implementation of safety measures straightforward and widely accepted.
- Professional Accountability: Medical professionals are held to high standards of responsibility, with clear consequences for malpractice. This creates a culture of accountability that supports the consistent application of safety measures.
Gen AI Role in Promoting Safety and Responsibility
Leading AI platforms like ChatGPT while imperfect, are working to enhance safety and responsibility in information dissemination by the following:
- Content Moderation: Implementing robust algorithms and human oversight to filter out harmful content and misinformation.
- Transparency: Providing clear information about data usage and AI decision-making processes to build user trust.
- Ethical AI Development: Collaborating with ethicists and industry experts to ensure that AI development aligns with ethical standards and promotes the well-being of users.
Predicting the Future: Embracing Safety in Tech
The tech industry’s adoption of safety and responsibility measures will likely follow an S-curve adoption pattern, common in technological innovations.
- Early Adoption (2020–2025): Initial implementation of safety measures by leading tech companies facing regulatory pressure and public demand for accountability.
- Early Majority (2025–2030): Wider acceptance as more companies recognize the benefits of safety measures in building user trust and avoiding legal repercussions.
- Late Majority (2030–2035): Broad adoption as industry standards become more defined and regulatory requirements are enforced globally.
- Laggards (2035+): Final holdouts adopt safety measures as they become industry norms and competitive necessities.
Takeaway:
The benefits of being an early adopter of trust and security measures start almost immediately. Enhanced reputation and increased customer trust can be seen as soon as these measures are implemented and communicated effectively. Additionally, early adopters can quickly mitigate risks and ensure compliance with evolving regulations, providing a competitive edge and fostering long-term sustainable growth (WOB Networks) . This proactive approach helps build a robust foundation for trust and security, which is critical in today’s tech landscape.
Conclusion
While the terms “safety” and “responsible” have sparked controversy in the tech industry, driven by perceptions of overreach, ethical debates, and regulatory ambiguity, the contrast with the medical field highlights the potential for these principles to be embraced more fully. Platforms like ChatGPT are working on promoting information integrity. As the tech industry progresses through the adoption curve, we can expect safety measures to become standard practice, enhancing user trust and overall industry credibility.
Sherri Douville BIO
Sherri Douville leads at the intersection of mobile, AI, cybersecurity, healthcare and technology. As the CEO and board member of Medigram, the company is advancing secure, real-time mobile communication solutions for healthcare teams.
Beyond Medigram, Sherri co-chairs the IEEE/UL 2933 standards SG for trust in clinical IoT systems, and she founded and chairs the Trustworthy Technology and Innovation Consortium (TTIC), promoting security and trustworthiness in technology. She is also a Taylor & Francis series editor and the author and editor of “Mobile Medicine,” a book on integrating mobile technologies in healthcare and “Advanced Health Technology” about leveraging advanced technologies to reduce risks and foster better patient outcomes, improved patient and clinician experience, and reduce costs.
Sherri’s career includes contributions and awards at Johnson & Johnson and serving on the board of NorCal HIMSS. She is an advisor in corporate board education for SCU.
TTIC: Advancing Standards in Trust and Security
The Trustworthy Technology and Innovation Consortium (TTIC) is advancing ethical AI practices and cybersecurity in healthcare. By fostering collaboration among leading industry experts, healthcare providers, and technology innovators, TTIC is dedicated to developing and implementing robust practices that ensure trust, security, and ethical standards in technological advancements. TTIC is committed to driving innovation while driving principles of integrity, thereby enhancing the trust and respect of healthcare technologies for all stakeholders.