Confederation of European Computer User Associations

Confédération Européenne des Associations d'Utilisateurs des Technologies de I'Information
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NEWS FLASH

MILLENNIUM AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

CECUA President. - Dr. Jon Thorhallsson

 

CECUA Euro-news flash

Millennium and Information Technology

As we all know, the so-called Year 2000 problem is really an Information Technology problem. But is it possible that a technology which is barely 50 years old already can cause such a whirlwind? The answer may come as a surprise. During the past 50 years or so Information Technology has infiltrated every facet of our lives. However, the arrival of the Millennium and the Millennium bug has made us aware of how terribly dependent we are on Information Technology in our daily lives. And we have to admit that this technology, which did not even exist when the generation which is now about to retire started work, is now an integral part of our lives. All modern machines are controlled by computers and run by programs. This applies to all appliances, e.g. dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, micro-ovens, coffee machines, phones, mobile phones, etc. Also automobiles, aircraft, trains, ships, etc. And how could I forget television, video, etc. At the hearth of every machine is a silicon chip programmed to do this or that for our convenience and/or entertainment. And all this has happened during only one generation.

How do we perceive this? We use most of this Information Technology without even knowing it, i.e. the technology as such is hidden behind knobs and dials. We learn to use it, get used to it and its use becomes a part of our daily lives. And its use is widespread. Just keep in mind that there are over 100 million mobile phones in use in Europe alone today.

The other side of the Information Technology coin is the active use of technology. This has to do with information and the processing of it. The tool of choice for active use is the personal computer, either stand alone or networked to the Internet. Whilst the use of PCs and the Internet is widespread in companies the situation in homes varies from country to country. In some countries there is a PC in every other household and half of these are connected to the Internet while in other countries the penetration both of PCs and Internet is much lower. However, both are growing strong and fast. Unfortunately, this has led to a polarisation of society between the haves and have-nots. Presently there are too many have-nots are and the number of have-nots needs to be systematically reduced.

Earlier this year, CECUA and Partners presented a draft Bill of Rights for Citizens of the Information Society in order to stimulate awareness and discussion of the issues raised, see www.cecua.org This Bill is intended to define basic rights of Citizens in the Information Society, to give them a safety net to lean on if need be. In the opinion of CECUA and Partners, not only the have-nots but also the haves need a safety net - but for different reasons. The haves need to know how far they can go in the use of the technology before they start infringing the basic rights of their fellow citizens, e.g. the right to privacy. And the have-nots need to know that they cannot be abused without redress; that they have their rights even if they are not active members of the Information Society. This will make them more self-confident. In the best case scenario, they will make the switch and join the active group of citizens. In the worst case scenario, they will remain passive members of the Information Society, but on better terms with their active counterparts. Regardless the outcome is a win-win situation for the Information Society and its citizens.

These issues have been the subject of the Newsflashes posted on the CECUA web-site. These Newsflashes have been very well received and CECUA and Partners are encouraged to continue with more Newsflashes in the new Millennium.

Wishing you and your families
Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous Millennium

CECUA President