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