Bruce Schneier teaches cyber security policy at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard. He points out that in cyber crime, offence is far easier than defence. Too often, victims of phishing are blamed, whereas legal reforms are needed that will hold manufacturers responsible for defects in their software. The public’s vulnerability is increasing, especially with the rise of the Internet of Things, for many of the computer-controlled gadgets we own cannot even be repaired. Before we can use a new product, we generally have to click (without reading) a long statement that exempts the producer for any liability for its failings. Countries differ in their regulations, and it is unlikely that Russia, China, or even the US will agree to any international norms that restrict the advantages they may possess seek to acquire. It is legal for Facebook or any other privately-owned platform to refuse to advertise, even if this seriously limits freedom of speech about political and social issues. No one can predict how serious the threats may be for the future development of Artificial Intelligence, but Schneier takes the matter seriously and respects those who are working to limit the potential damage.
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