Week 4: Philosophy of Technology, Policy and Society

"This calls for revising our view of the digital divide toward a perspective that
acknowledges the continuous challenges of new technologies and inequalities and
that proactively considers approaches to enhancing both supply (provider) solutions
while also cultivating an understanding of user challenges and possibilities."

What Strover calls for in this article is admirable and clearly communicated. What is missing however, are some solutions on how to garner support politically speaking. Strover quickly goes over the need for political will as an essential ingredient for change in policy regulation. Though that may be self evident, the article seems incomplete. Though the aim of the article is to re-assert a new form of philosophy with respect to the digital divide, there seems to be little said about how one will go about achieving this; i.e. in changing the political will so that the closing of inequality gaps becomes a political priority. Explicitly stating how we go about addressing the digital divide with respect to the deeper disparities of income is an opportunity we should not shy away from exploring. For instance, how does one advocate for government intervention? Through lobby groups? Non-profit organizations? Petitions by the public? Or is this solely left to party platforms to address in elections that barely touch on such issues as this and only talks about job creation and industry stats?

Additional Thoughts: 

Strover points to the issue of "sidestepping"policy considerations when incorporating technology into society as it pertains to inequalities in society. I believe this is a careless and passive disposition for governments to take when it comes to the broader economic implications for society. There are power disparities that if not regulated, ensure that only a few benefit. If there are flexibilities afforded when it comes to the regulation of prices for instance and ensuring healthy competition between ISPs, why not ensure that the government intervenes for a resource that is arguably necessary for success in an information digital economy. Why not make internet service an essential government service (i.e. as a utility)?

Ishanie Perera