Implementing technological developments
23. Bit protection
The technological realities associated with new digital media present numerous challenges. Bits are easily copied and shared. Online networks connect large groups of people. Business practices and legal systems have been, for the most part, designed and developed in "analog times." "Protections" no longer "solve."

Roughly speaking, the status of some of what
passes for "protection" and problems with it.
Difficulties protecting bits from people.
Difficulties protecting people from bits.

Study Questions

1. Ponder the "cross-generation"/demographic issues raised by media. How much harder is it to "protect" children in the digital than the analog environment? Are different issues raised in the digital than in the analog environment?

2. Should you be an activist on these issues? Why? Why not?

3. Sketch the basic "positions" about protection and controls from the position of the industries, consumer, individual producer, government.

 

Want to learn more?

Kembrew McLeod. Owning Culture