Ethical and privacy issues
One of the great benefits of ambient intelligence is its versatility, and the many uses that the same information can have in interacting with indoor and outdoor environments. However this versatility is also a potential weakness, as in order for ambient intelligence to work, information must be shared over multiple networks. This means that data must be made available through a central database to other ‘trusted’ networks, or that data must be replicated across multiple databases. If data is replicated, then the accuracy of the information could come into question, as the information would need to be constantly updated across networks.
Ambient intelligence requires users to ‘trust’ the information technology systems around them. It is this trust that is the root of many of the potential difficulties. As everyone is aware, computers will do exactly as they are instructed, including implementing errors. Because of this danger, one question that must be asked is what can we trust these systems to do? If a system is relied upon to open doors automatically, systems need to be put in place to ensure that there are other means of carrying out this function. If there is an automatic emergency function, can it be guaranteed that it will work when required? And on what basis does it make the ‘decision’ to call? If an attempt at contact is made, and the person’s own electronic device refuses to allow contact, on what basis does it do this?
Also, if the system is set up for someone with disabilities, decisions are being made in some cases for people, and this in itself is an ethical issue. Procedures need to be put in place to ensure that if possible the person contributes to the making of these decisions, and if this is not possible that the decisions made are really in the interests of the end user affected.
There are potential problems caused by unauthorised access to the system. Ambient intelligence works through the use of wireless technology, meaning that information has to be broadcast. A worrying possibility is that someone may breach the security system, capture these details, and use them elsewhere. Careful design of the system becomes essential.
Guidelines are needed to ensure that all automatic ‘decisions’ made by the system have been approved by the end user, and these decisions are made available to be reviewed at regular intervals. This would allow problems to be detected and corrected.
Adherence to data protection guidelines needs to be made explicit in the development of ambient intelligence systems. This would mean that a ‘specified explicit purpose’ can be agreed upon, that only the relevant information is stored or transmitted by the system. A regular review of the information needs to be built in, to ensure that information about a person is accurate, and to give the person an opportunity to request the removal of information from the system.
Last updated: 20.11.2009 © Copyright reserved Website design: Digital Accessibility Team