Week 9 Assignment: Privacy & Emerging Tech Analysis
Week 9 Assignment: Privacy & Emerging Tech Analysis#
Due: End of Week 9 | Format: Research analysis | Length: 900-1100 words
📝 Assignment Overview#
Investigate an emerging AI technology or practice that raises privacy and surveillance concerns. Analyze current impacts, implications, and policy responses.
📋 Topic Options#
Choose one focus area:
Privacy & Data Collection:
- Facial recognition systems and privacy
- Biometric data collection and use
- Location tracking and surveillance
- Data brokers and data markets
Surveillance Systems:
- Mass surveillance infrastructure
- Predictive policing and monitoring
- Workplace monitoring and surveillance
- Social credit systems
Generative AI Issues:
- Copyright and training data ethics
- Environmental costs of large AI models
- Misinformation and deepfakes
- Data privacy in language models
Other Emerging Tech:
- Genetic databases and discrimination risk
- Commercial vs. government surveillance
- Your choice (get approval)
📋 Analysis Structure (900-1100 words)#
1. Technology Description (150 words)
- What is the technology?
- How does it work?
- Who is deploying it? Where?
- Scale and growth trajectory
2. Current Uses & Adoption (150 words)
- Current applications and users
- Benefits claimed by proponents
- Growth or expansion plans
- Who profits or gains power?
3. Privacy & Surveillance Concerns (250 words)
- What specific risks to privacy/surveillance?
- What data is collected/used?
- How could data be misused?
- What happens if data is breached?
- Impacts on marginalized communities?
4. Existing Safeguards & Regulations (150 words)
- What laws/regulations apply currently?
- Technical safeguards in place?
- Are they adequate?
- What gaps exist?
5. Policy Recommendations (250 words)
- What needs to change?
- How should this technology be governed?
- Balance between innovation and protection
- International considerations
- Options:
- Stronger regulations
- Technical standards
- Transparency requirements
- Individual rights (right to opt-out, access, deletion, etc.)
- Oversight mechanisms
6. Broader Questions (100 words)
- What does this reveal about power and technology?
- How does this connect to other AI concerns?
- What’s at stake for society?
📌 Rubric#
| Criteria | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Understanding | 20% | Accurate, detailed explanation of technology and issues |
| Research | 20% | Well-sourced; uses current reporting and analysis |
| Privacy Analysis | 25% | Thoughtful examination of surveillance/privacy concerns |
| Policy Reasoning | 20% | Realistic recommendations grounded in evidence |
| Communication | 15% | Clear, engaging, well-organized writing |
💡 Tips for Success#
- Go beyond surface-level description
- Find real examples and case studies
- Consider impacts on different groups
- Acknowledge tradeoffs and complexity
- Use recent sources (tech changes rapidly)
- Connect to broader course themes
📤 Submission#
Submit a PDF document via D2L by 11:59 PM on [Due Date].
Include reference list with at least 8-10 sources.
Questions? Contact instructor or post in Q&A.