Technology Should Be Ethical

In today’s fast-paced world, technology has reshaped how we live, work, and connect. With more than 4 billion people globally using smartphones, these innovations have made everyday tasks easier and connected us in ways we could have never imagined. But as we embrace these advances, an important question arises: Is technology truly serving humanity, or are we becoming slaves to it?

At the core of this debate is the belief that technology should empower people, not control them. Take artificial intelligence (AI) as an example. AI has the remarkable ability to process massive amounts of data, allowing doctors to diagnose illnesses faster and more accurately. Imagine a doctor detecting early signs of cancer with the help of AI. This isn’t just about using data; it’s about saving lives and extending quality healthcare to even the most remote areas. When human welfare is prioritised in technology development, we create tools that improve lives and bring equality to more people.

Responsibility

However, with great power comes great responsibility. As technology becomes deeply woven into every aspect of our lives, ethical concerns like data privacy and algorithmic bias can’t be ignored. AI, for instance, could unintentionally perpetuate existing prejudices if it’s trained on biased data. Imagine an AI system used in hiring decisions that discriminate against certain groups simply because it relies on flawed historical data. This is why governments, tech companies, and civil society must collaborate and create rules that not only protect individuals but also encourage innovation.

Professor Shoshana Zuboff, an American psychologist, philosopher, warns of “surveillance capitalism” — the practice of companies exploiting personal data for profit, often at the cost of privacy and autonomy. In an increasingly digital world, this is a global concern. Without proper regulation, our data can easily become a commodity, leaving us vulnerable to exploitation.

While technology has immense potential to drive growth and development, it can also widen social and economic gaps if it’s not made accessible to everyone. A clear example of this was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, where online learning became a lifeline for students across the world. Yet, millions of students, particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas, were left behind because they lacked access to reliable internet. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), nearly half the global population still doesn’t have reliable internet access. This “digital divide” is a glaring reminder of the inequalities that persist.

In countries like Nepal, where much of the economy still relies on agriculture, this divide is even more apparent. During school closures, students in rural areas struggled to keep up with their urban counterparts, deepening existing inequalities. To bridge this gap, both governments and private organisations need to continue investing in digital infrastructure. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live, has equal access to technological opportunities is key. Providing affordable internet and digital literacy programmes in underserved areas can turn technology into a tool for inclusion, not exclusion.

Beyond education, technology plays a crucial role in tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges, like climate change and social inequality. AI, for example, is being used to monitor deforestation, predict natural disasters, and optimise renewable energy usage. These innovations help us respond more effectively to environmental threats, protecting both people and ecosystems. However, the rise of surveillance technology also brings significant threats to privacy and civil liberties. In authoritarian regimes, surveillance tools are often used to suppress dissents, demonstrating how technology can be weaponised for control rather than liberation. Even in democratic societies, the use of facial recognition and other biometric data raises serious concerns about potential misuse.

This is why regulating the use of such technologies is so important. Governments and organisations need to establish clear guidelines that ensure technology respects human rights and upholds democratic values. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of technology while minimizing its risks. Another pressing issue is job displacement caused by automation. As machines become more efficient, especially in sectors like manufacturing, there’s a legitimate fear that many jobs will be lost. But this doesn’t have to be the inevitable outcome. By focusing on responsible innovation and creating new job opportunities in tech-related fields, we can mitigate the effects of automation. Governments, educational institutions, and private companies must collaborate to implement retraining programs that equip workers for the jobs of the future. 

The World Economic Forum emphasises the importance of reskilling workers to adapt to the changing global economy. With the right support, workers can thrive in the digital economy without significant social disruption. At the same time, growing surveillance, especially in public spaces and workplaces, raises concerns about individual freedoms. While surveillance can enhance security, it must be balanced with privacy protections to prevent misuse. Governments and organisations need transparent policies to regulate surveillance technologies and ensure they don’t infringe on personal rights.

To ensure technology serves humanity, we must commit to ethical governance, inclusivity, and collaboration. The risks posed by unchecked technological growth — such as data breaches, algorithmic bias, job displacement, and increased surveillance — are real, but they are not insurmountable. By embracing responsible innovation, we can build a future where technology enhances our lives without compromising our values or freedoms. As we look ahead, we must advocate for policies that promote ethical tech development and support initiatives to bridge the digital divide. Public conversations about how technology affects our daily lives are essential. 

Community involvement and collective action will play a critical role in shaping how technology evolves to meet society’s needs. Ultimately, our goal should be to create a world where technology empowers everyone and makes a positive contribution to society. In this rapidly evolving landscape, collaboration and a commitment to justice will be crucial in ensuring that technology becomes a force for good, accessible to all, and aligned with our shared values. 

(The author is an Associate Professor at Tribhuvan University.)