IEEE Technology and Society Magazine - September 2023 - 112

Feature
as they now lack access to large datasets necessary to
train their AI models. These regulations also place an
additional regulatory burden on small businesses and
startups as they now must use their limited resources
to satisfy the provisions of the GDPR and it has thus
limited investment in tech startups.
Therefore, balanced legal protections are needed
that not only provide reasonable privacy protections
but also not hinder technology innovations by
excessive regulatory burden on businesses. Such a
balanced approach supports a good society as it promotes
the well-being of citizens and helps to ensure
justice.
Political context
Democratic countries tend to value individual freedoms
and rights and provide legal protection to their
citizens. However, citizens are generally not accorded
such rights by autocratic regimes. The democracy
index is a composite measure of the degree to which
democratic values are upheld by a nation and it is
based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism,
civil liberties, the functioning of government,
political participation, and political culture. Using
this index, each country can be categorized into one
of four groups: full democracy, flawed democracy,
hybrid regime or authoritarian regime [24].
Many democratic countries propose regulations
and laws to safeguard citizens' rights. On the
other hand, such rights are generally not available
to the citizens in nations governed by authoritarian
regimes where the likelihood is high of finding data
applications violating basic human rights and civil
liberties.
Authoritarian regimes often impose restrictions
on online content and even ban the use of certain
communication platforms. This is a way that these
regimes exert control over their citizens. Also,
authoritarian governments are increasingly exporting
surveillance technology, which is a concern to
democratic governments since surveillance technologies
can be misused. Although intelligence gained
through surveillance technologies is required by
every state, the use of surveillance technologies
must be rigorously regulated to guarantee that it is
used appropriately to protect citizens' rights.
Situational context
The situational context refers to instances where
people and societies are willing to accept the use
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of data and algorithms under specific conditions
but resist the same application if the conditions
are different. For instance, facial recognition may
be accepted as having positive implications for
one purpose but not for another. Unlocking your
mobile phone using facial recognition technologies
is typically accepted by people as it is convenient
and allows for quick unlocking and accessing apps.
However, the same people resist the use of facial recognition
by employers and governments when it is
used for monitoring purposes. Possible main drivers
for the situational context can be characterized as
event-, preference- or task-driven.
In event-driven situations (e.g., a natural disaster,
pandemics such as COVID-19 and emergency situations),
people are more amenable to the use of data
applications which they may not consent to under
different circumstances. The motivations for their
consent may be for their own personal well-being or
for societal safety and well-being.
Task-driven situations arise when people agree to
the use of data applications for the accomplishment
of some tasks but not others [e.g., geo-location tracking
while hiking or using ride-sharing apps (Lyft,
Uber, etc.); using DNA for catching a criminal; retinal
scans for entry into a country, and so on]. Note
that in these situations, people benefit by agreeing
to the use of the data application. Possible benefits
include personal/family safety or community
well-being or convenience.
Preference-driven situations occur when peoples'
personal preferences dictate the use of a data application.
For example, young users are less concerned
about disclosing personal information on social
networking sites compared to older users provided
their use is perceived to have tangible personal or
societal benefits. Preference for technology could
also be religious. For instance, Amish people, " are
known for simple living, plain dress, Christian pacifism,
and slowness to adopt many conveniences
of modern technology, with a view to not interrupt
family time, nor replace face-to-face conversations
whenever possible " [25]. They prefer that the use
of technology be in moderation, and it also must
respect Amish values and traditions.
Preferences for personal privacy in a society also
must be considered. Sheehan [26] reports that a
vast majority of online users have concerns about
privacy and those concerns vary depending on
the situation. In a recent study, conducted in the
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