5th IoT, Built Environment Meetup on Ethics & Privacy

On April 9 we will meet for already the 5th. IoT & Built Environment conference, since 2015 a MeetUp. Each year since its start in 2011 we focus on a theme; this year's will be Ethics & Privacy. Given the rapid development of IoT the need for discussing its consequences is more important then ever; the focus is still too much on technology and/or economic/control issues. Many issues involved will change our society, change the ways we live and act, also within our homes which still are known/labelled as private space. A debate on future values therefore is of utmost importance.

the evening will be preceded by a written/shown statement on IoT by Jurgen Wege.

speakers will be:

• Rob van Kranenburg (http://www.theinternetofthings.eu/rob-van-kranenburg) (founder of Council, Sociotal)'

•Standing reserve; on objects, people and processes'

abstract:

In #IoT the Heideggerian notion of standing reserve is key. Heidegger predicted a moment in which every object would be 'standing reserve' that is potentially a 'resource', always and fundamentally enframed within a vision of functional use. We have now entered that land. But this is not an empty space. In fact all these objects, people, processes and procedures were already enframed within their own intrinsic vision that can escape us totally but that can not be ignored. These visions are made visible by artistic intelligences. But they will not do that if it means that these relations made visible will immediately be recuperated and rephrased fully within a functional paradigm of use. A culture that cannot find a balance between these both outer ends has no prospect of vitality or future.

• Ben van Lier (http://www.centric.eu/NL/Default/Themas/Experts/Ben-van-Lier) (Director Strategy & Information at Centric)

‘the 4th. Industrial Revolution & Questions concerning Ethics’

abstract:

Within the fourth industrial revolution a paradigm shift is underway in the way we live and work. New technologies, a growing interconnectedness of objects and an increasing autonomy of these technologies unfold new complexities. Autonomy and intelligence of technological applications is made possible by algorithms and software. These algorithms and software are increasingly responsible for decisions that affect directly or indirectly our daily life and work. Thus, questions about the ethical aspects of this software and algorithms are becoming increasingly relevant.

• Justin Mc.Keown (http://www.yorksj.ac.uk/arts/faculty-of-arts/who-we-are-1/computer-science/dr-justin-mckeown.aspx) (Ass.Prof. Conf. Computer Science & IoT , Univ.York)

‘Notes towards overcoming the Privacy issue in IoT’

abstract:

Often, whenever I encounter public discussion of the Internet of Things, I cannot help but feel that there is something of a sales pitch taking place. The rhetoric of which normally includes at least one of the following elements: Optimisation, automation, efficiency, connectivity and/or security. In encountering such debates I find myself considering why people consider optimisation, automation, efficiency, connectivity and security as positives? Is a lack of consideration of the negative aspects of these things barring public buy in to the Internet of Things?

• Linda Kool (https://www.rathenau.nl/nl/medewerkers/linda-kool-msc-ma), (Senior Res. Rathenau Institute)

‘Intimate technology; steering behaviour in smart environments’

abstract:

Our environment is becoming smart, filled with smart devices such as smart barbies, smart tv’s or smart bras. The growing pervasiveness of smart environments leads to two main trends: individuals are becoming more transparent, and smart environments more opaque. This makes control of people over the collection of personal data increasingly difficult, and it becomes very hard to see how smart devices influence people’s behavior. Both trends lay bare weaknesses of current regulatory frameworks and force us to look for a new balance between economic development and safeguarding individual human values like privacy, autonomy and human dignity.

• Gerd Kortuem (http://www.kortuem.com), (Prof. Computing, Open Univ. & TUD)

‘Towards a data-literate society’

abstract:

21st century society is experiencing a data revolution which has created a precarious imbalance between those who have the means and skills to use and interpret data (such as data scientists and other experts) and the rest of society. As we enter the age of truly ubiquitous information technology in the shape of the Internet of Things and smart cities we need to raise the level of data literacy throughout society. In this short talk I will discuss the concept of data literacy and present the Urban Data School, an initiative to teach data literacy to school-age children.

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we will provide enough time for discussion in between as well as a debate at the end; our moderator will be Leon van Geest.

meetup language is english, schedule/program will be online later.

doors open at 19.00 hrs.

admission is free but reservation is necessary.

this event is sponsored by Centric (http://www.centric.eu/NL/Default)