CS 4002
Robots and Society
Privacy and Autonomy?

In the past two classes, you've considered and discussed some of the ethical issues raised by robotic technologies. If we think about robots carefully, we realize that they possess significant data recording capabilities and are quite easily linked to the Internet, as basically roving recording devices capable of significant privacy intrusion.

So contemplate the following entity: an autonomous, physically embodied robot that records and remembers everything it sees and hears. Again, consider the ethical issues that are inherent in such a robot, especially issues that arise due to its autonomy. Think about Lessig's four regulatory mechanisms (legislative, economic, social, and technological) and how they are used to protect an individual's privacy in today's world, and consider how we may need to adjust, supplement, and enhance these mechanisms when such a robot becomes a reality.

To help you organize your thoughts here are some sample questions you might want to answer in addition to your own:

• Legislative: There are certain laws that guarantee private communication between particular individuals such as doctor-patient, lawyer-client, and husband-wife. Should robots that record everything be held to a similar standard? Are there other laws protecting privacy that should or should not apply to robots that record everything?

· Economic: On the Internet, the price you pay for access to the New York Times, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, and other newspapers online is your privacy. You allow these websites to record what you read, show you ads while reading, and (perhaps) send you promotions via email. Can you imagine instances in which you would allow a robot to record your activities in order to get particular benefits? What role does the robot's autonomy and intention play in your decisions?

· Social: In many societies, social norms strongly discourage you from being close enough to eavesdrop on others' conversations. Is it desirable to use this and other social norms to regulate a robot that records everything? What norms might be useful?

· Technological: Is it ethical to build a "countersurveillance" robot that would seek out and destroy any robot that has or is recording your behavior? Does it matter if the robot is truly autonomous, as opposed to a camera? Are there other technological solutions for preserving your privacy if there are robots that record everything?

As always be concrete: formulate a set of policies and write them down. Be prepared to defend them.