Policy Issues in Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is a very real prospect for the world, and can possibly occur within the next century. To be prepared for this ‘revolution’ we need to address several key issues in policy. This preparation is vital, especially due to the extreme nature of investments, and accelerated workings in the nanotech research field.

There are a multitude of issues surrounding nanotech, including, but not limited to, issues of safety, need fulfillment, accountability, control, the ‘gray goo’ problem (which refers to the likelihood of self-replicating rogue nano-machines feeding off the biosphere) and resistance from nature. Safety, control and the ‘gray goo’ problem refer to rogue machines, but also refer to the need (or lack thereof) for humans in an intelligent robotic society; Need fulfillment refers to why we need this technology; and accountability refers to the issue of moral uses of the technology (will this technology unfairly infringe on citizen’s privacy, as an example.) This potential technology is frightening, as even the

Concerns over safety in respect to nanotech, refer primarily to the unintended release of intelligent, atomically modified beings into society, without adequate controls. A proposed solution to this problem is, having systems and regulations ‘restricting’ biological behavior and replication. Freitas Jr. (2000) suggests that unlawful replication may be ceased due to a thermal signature that would be present during the transition. Systems like this, and others must logically therefore be in place when, if not before, these technologies which can create this type of repercussions, come into existence. When, or if, nanotech applications occur, society will slowly develop an understanding of them, and there is a strong possibility that pessimists will quickly see the dangers of the technology over the benefits of it. Reassurances, along with strong policy, are essential for public acceptance to occur also. For instance, studies have shown that New Zealanders need the advertising for new unknown products to be informative of how the product works, and the risks and benefits of it, before the relevant product will be accepted (Study using the comparison of Viagra advertisements in New Zealand and North America as an example of this trend, source unknown). This example illustrates the fear of the unknown which we all experience. It also suggests that public information needs to be informative and readily accessible, whilst policy needs to be tough, fair and visible, in order for our society to allow nanotechnology to affect our way of life.

Information is needed to enlighten citizens of the potential dangers and benefits of the technology, which tax payers are funding. In addition to the dangers of nanotech applications, there are also opportunity costs, a huge spending increase in education and healthcare are examples. Informing the public on the current and future situation of nanotech, the how and the why, should be a priority. There is an unbalanced excitement revolving around nanotech, with an incredible surge of interest in the field. A large number of wealthy countries, NGOs, and scientists are pursuing the nanotech field intensely. There has also been interest from technophiles who herald this potential development as a step towards a utopian society, and endless life. Considering the above interest, it must therefore be disturbing that the average citizen has never even heard of the word ‘nanotechnology’, let alone the massive impact it will have on their every day life.

Some topics in this essay:
Freitas Jr, Issues Nanotechnology, Advanced Nanotechnology’, Arisototle Countries, Bill Joy, Foresight Institute, Sherman California, North America, Eric Drexler’s, America Japan, technology essential, nanotech applications, bill joy, ‘gray goo’, freitas jr 2000, acceptance technology, restrictions placed, jr 2000, control ‘gray, countries ngos, control ‘gray goo’, north america,