Tonight, we have a presidential debate between the two candidates, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump, which will be televised tonight on CNN. As someone deeply invested in the future of technology, I’m particularly interested in how these candidates will address the critical issues surrounding information technology. Emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and Web3 have far-reaching implications for our national security, economy, and business progress. It’s essential to understand how our future leaders plan to navigate these changes and shape the trajectory of America’s tech landscape.
Here are the top five areas of focus and the potential questions to ask:
Cybersecurity
Potential Questions:
- What are your plans to enhance the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against increasing cyber threats?
- How do you intend to collaborate with the private sector to develop and implement robust cybersecurity measures?
- What strategies will you put in place to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks?
Cybersecurity is a top priority due to its direct impact on national security. Effective cybersecurity policies are essential to safeguard the country from cyber warfare and espionage. For the economy, protecting financial systems and sensitive data is crucial to maintain stability and consumer confidence. From a business perspective, companies rely on secure networks to protect intellectual property and customer information, which is essential for innovation and growth.
Regulation and Governance
Potential Questions:
- How do you plan to regulate emerging technologies like AI and blockchain without stifling innovation?
- What measures will you implement to ensure data privacy and protection?
- How will you address the ethical concerns surrounding AI and automated systems?
Clear regulations help mitigate the risks associated with the misuse of advanced technologies, ensuring national security. For the economy, consistent and fair regulations provide a stable environment for tech companies to thrive and attract investments. Businesses need these guidelines to develop new technologies responsibly and ethically, ensuring long-term growth and public trust.
Digital Infrastructure
Potential Questions:
- What are your plans to expand and secure the nation’s broadband and 5G networks?
- How will you address the digital divide to ensure equal access to digital resources for all citizens?
- What steps will you take to protect our digital infrastructure from both physical and cyber threats?
A robust and secure digital infrastructure is critical for national defense and emergency response systems. High-speed internet access drives economic growth by enabling innovation, remote work, and new business models. For businesses, reliable digital infrastructure is the backbone of operations, facilitating communication, data transfer, and online services.
Artificial Intelligence
Potential Questions:
- How do you plan to support AI research and development while ensuring ethical use?
- What policies will you implement to address AI bias and ensure fairness in automated decisions?
- How do you foresee AI impacting the future job market, and what are your plans to address potential job displacement?
AI can enhance defense capabilities but also poses risks if used maliciously, impacting national security. Economically, AI has the potential to drive significant growth and productivity gains. For businesses, AI can revolutionize industries, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities, though it requires careful management to avoid ethical pitfalls.
Ethics and Accountability
Potential Questions:
- What framework will you establish to ensure ethical considerations in the development and deployment of new technologies?
- How will you ensure that companies and government agencies are held accountable for the impacts of their AI and tech deployments?
- What steps will you take to promote transparency in algorithmic decision-making processes?
Ethical frameworks help prevent the misuse of technology, protecting national interests. Public trust in technology is vital for widespread adoption and economic benefits. Businesses benefit from clear ethical guidelines that help navigate the complexities of new technologies responsibly, ensuring sustainable growth.
The Reality
While a presidential debate focused exclusively on information technology might be unlikely, it is crucial to address these issues due to their far-reaching impacts on national security, the economy, and business progress. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, it is essential for us to understand how presidential candidates plan to navigate these changes. By asking the right questions, we can gain insights into their vision for the future and how they will manage the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies. This awareness will help us make informed decisions and ensure that our leaders are equipped to guide us through the technological advancements that will shape our world.