Tech4Good: Is It Really Possible?

Alright, let’s break this down. The recent riots in the UK have shown us that the system isn’t working for most people. We’re not just talking about immigration or woke-ism—those are distractions. The real issues are deeper: unfair economic models, lack of access to technology, and misuse of data & information.

This article puts forward real ways we could use technology to make things fairer:

1. Challenge our Economic Models & Political Structure

Traditional economic frameworks are like dinosaurs—they’re slow and they favor the big guys. Everything’s centralized, meaning a few people control most of the resources. But with tech, we can shake things up. Platforms like China’s Taobao let small businesses from remote areas reach customers worldwide, cutting out the middleman and giving the little guys fair access to a wider range of markets and customers.

Financial technology, or fintech, is another game changer. Back in the day, small businesses struggled to get loans because banks wouldn’t take the risk. But now, companies like Ant Financial use digital data to assess creditworthiness and give out loans without the usual hassle. This means more small businesses can get the funding they need to grow.

Traditional power structures have centralized control, often leading to unequal resource distribution. In contrast, technology fosters decentralized opportunities, democratizing access to resources. Fintech like Ant Financial provides uncollateralized loans to small businesses using digital indicators, spreading financial opportunities more broadly.

What if we followed this thinking and applied it to the way we organise power & control in our country? What if we radically decentralised our government? What would happen if we created better tools to facilitate more effective democracy across our communities?

It's time we started to think differently, organise differently and try new things.

2. Close The Digital Divide

Not everyone has the same access to tech. If you don’t have the internet or the skills to use it, you’re left out. This can make the rich richer and the poor poorer. Studies show that automation and tech benefits skilled workers more, leaving lower-skilled workers at a disadvantage.

The use of big data and AI raises concerns about privacy and data misuse. Who controls the data also controls how it’s used and this can significantly shape economic performance. There’s an active risk that data-driven strategies are used to exploit benefits for a few rather than the many, leading naturally to greater economic disparity between those that have access to big data and those that do not.

Tech can help level the playing field if used right. E-commerce platforms and fintech solutions can give small businesses and individuals the tools they need to compete with the big boys. However, the implementation must be inclusive, ensuring everyone has access to these technological tools

To make tech work for everyone, we need policies that promote digital inclusion and training in digital skills. Tech in education can provide top-notch resources to underprivileged areas, giving everyone a fair shot at success. We need to integrate Technology with our education system including full use of AI.

Mitigating the risks associated with the digital divide and data privacy is crucial. This involves developing robust data governance frameworks that protect individual privacy and ensuring widespread access to digital technologies. Governments and organizations must prioritize policies that close the digital divide and regulate data usage to prevent exploitation.

3. Transform our implementation of Democracy.

The recent UK riots underscore the urgent need for systemic change. People are not just angry about immigration or woke-ism; they are frustrated because the system is fundamentally broken. Issues like long healthcare wait times, overcrowded prisons, and unfair taxation by big businesses are causing widespread discontent. To address these real-world problems, we need a new political approach that goes beyond the traditional scope of voting every 4 years for your democratically appointed leader.

People's frustration is rooted in several key issues:

• Healthcare: The NHS is struggling, with patients facing long wait times for medical appointments and treatments (BBC, 2021).
• Criminal Justice: Overcrowded prisons and high re-offending rates indicate a failing system (The Guardian, 2020).
• Economic Inequities: Large corporations often avoid paying their fair share of taxes, exacerbating economic inequality (The Guardian, 2021).

We need a new political party that:

• Uses Big Data to Present the Truth: Leveraging big data can help provide transparent, factual information to the public. This data-driven approach ensures that policies are based on accurate insights and real needs.
• Helps Us Decide Our Priorities Together: By involving citizens in decision-making processes, we can create a more inclusive and democratic society. This can be achieved through digital platforms that allow for regular voting on various issues.
• Drives Progress in Local Communities: Localized initiatives that empower communities to address their specific needs are crucial. This involves providing resources and support for local projects and encouraging community-led development.

To transform our implementation of democracy, we need to focus on several key areas:

• Regular Voting on Various Topics. Participatory Platforms and digital tools can facilitate regular voting on important issues, allowing citizens to have a direct say in policy decisions. Examples include online voting systems and mobile apps that make participation easy and accessible.
• Providing Unbiased Information. Governments should use big data to share transparent and unbiased information with the public. This involves using data analytics to understand public needs and communicate findings clearly and honestly (MIT Technology Review, 2020).
• Supporting Local Communities. Local governments should support community-led initiatives by providing funding, resources, and expertise. This approach encourages self-organization and helps communities address their unique challenges.

Conclusion

Using tech to make things fairer is a no-brainer, but it needs to be done right. By embracing tech solutions, spreading opportunities, and dealing with the digital divide and data privacy, we can create a fairer society. Everyone should benefit from tech, not just the ones at the top. Let’s make sure we’re all in this together.

For more details on implementing these transformative frameworks, get in touch with Rayyan Karim and his team at www.rayyankarim.com or email info@rayyankarim.com.

Sources

(World Economic Forum)

(MIT News)

(IMF)