Executive Summary:
- Rapidly changing and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) combined with social media, smartphones and other devices maybe sowing seeds of distrust and skepticism toward technology among the general public.
- Trend analysis shows that people increasingly do not trust tech companies. In 2015, 71% of Americans viewed technology companies as overwhelmingly popular, while in 2019 only 50% of people polled had a favorable view of the same companies.
- Legislation in the US, similar to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is possible; however, the policies are difficult to enforce and only bear teeth after a breach has occurred, giving a false sense of security.
- Consider contacting RMS International’s Intelligence Services for custom enhanced security measures and threat assessments to help navigate changing and emerging technologies, as well as the potential threats and impacts to your people, assets, organization, and reputation.
Situation Report (SITREP):
Rapidly changing and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) combined with social media, smartphones and other devices may have reached the tipping point. Recent studies and surveys indicate a growing sentiment of distrust and skepticism toward technology among the general public.
Trend analysis shows that people increasingly do not trust tech companies. In 2015, 71% of Americans viewed technology companies as overwhelmingly popular, while in 2019 only 50% of people polled had a favorable view of the same companies. Conversely, negative perceptions about the tech sector nearly doubled from 17% to 33% during the same time period. The lack of trust may be attributed to the exponential growth and pace of technological improvements. A 2020 survey revealed that 60% of respondents globally felt technology was advancing too rapidly, with 65% worried about technology making it hard to discern real from fake information. Similarly, a 2021 survey found that 86% of Americans did not trust major tech companies, expressing concerns over data privacy and the influence of these companies on politics. These statistics underscore a significant shift toward anti-technology sentiments, reflecting widespread concerns about privacy, misinformation, and the societal impacts of rapid technological advancement. Misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories only fuel anti-tech sentiment. In 2020, 74% of Americans expressed concern about the spread of misinformation online, and 77% felt major tech companies wielded too much power, indicating a strong public appetite for increased regulation.
Impact Analysis and Recommended Course of Action:
While trust in tech companies continues to deteriorate, the services and applications are so heavily embedded in our lives and work flows it’s hard to imagine any large scale “neo-luddite” movement reigning in tech companies or self-moderating our dependence on their platforms and services. Legislation in the US, similar to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is possible; however, the policies are difficult to enforce and only bear teeth after a breach has occurred, giving a false sense of security. Despite the widespread mistrust in tech instructions, the applications and software’s are too embedded in our lives to ignore. As a result, our reliance on technology and emerging applications is likely to continue. A physical security plans and procedures are not complete without the cyber component. Protecting data and cyber-security will increasingly become part of the any plans and threat assessments. Consider contacting RMS International’s Intelligence Services for custom enhanced security measures and threat assessments to help navigate changing and emerging technologies, as well as the potential threats and impacts to your people, assets, organization, and reputation.
About RMS International:
Founded in 2012, RMS International provides ad hoc and contracted close protection, estate security, international travel management, corporate executive protection, personnel and asset security, and discreet investigative services. Operating a state-of-the-art Risk Operations Center in West Palm Beach, they provide 24/7 overwatch of global operations in Asia, Europe, Africa and throughout the Americas. RMS International delivers peace of mind in a chaotic world. Connect with us at RMSIUSA.com
