The world is changing rapidly and understanding the ways that digital technologies impact the global economy, national security, critical infrastructures,...

Emerging Dilemmas in Digital Technology Policy (STEP0012)

The world is changing rapidly and understanding the ways that digital technologies impact the global economy, national security, critical infrastructures, healthcare, employment, information integrity, or human rights is an essential skill for the next decades. Maximizing digital technology opportunities without compromising established principles and rights will require people who think differently and can exercise imagination, sound reasoning and a vision for the future.

This module examines dilemmas and critical tensions in digital technology policy. Policy making for digital technologies – whether in government, the private sector or any other organization – requires balancing wide ranging interests, values and power dynamics. For emerging digital technologies, a single intervention is rarely the silver bullet. With so many options on the table, so many possible futures and so many interdependencies, how do those in decision-making or advisory roles know which way to turn?

This module is not oriented to providing definitive answers. Instead, we will critically evaluate different interventions and consider the broader governance mechanisms that are needed to achieve the responsible adoption of emerging digital technologies.

Each week, we will explore a new topic that covers some of the most pressing digital technology policy questions we have today. For instance, how do we manage cybersecurity risk? How do we govern algorithmic decision systems? Do we need stricter antitrust rules in digital markets? Is privacy dead? How do we respond to the rise of misinformation and disinformation? We will push your critical thinking, challenge your positions, and help you to better understand how your own values and ideas about the world shape your perceptions of what constitutes ‘good’ digital technology policy.