◇ The Age of Big Brother Has Already Arrived

 

China's example suggests that a Big Brother society is already upon us. The Chinese government operates a system called "Skynet," which integrates AI facial recognition with a nationwide network of hundreds of millions of CCTV cameras. While the system is used to track criminals, it also serves as a tool for monitoring the everyday movements of ordinary citizens. In 2017, after a BBC journalist registered his photo with a Chinese police control room, it took only seven minutes for authorities to locate him using CCTV. Similarly, in 2018, a student from Hunan University took part in an experiment, and the police found him within five minutes. Is this system solely used for identifying criminals?

 

▲ China's Skynet - (captured from www.cps.com.cn)

 

Western countries are not exempt from this trend. In several U.S. cities, police use AI facial recognition technology for crime prevention, though its accuracy and potential biases have raised concerns. In response, cities like San Francisco have banned the use of facial recognition by public agencies. On May 14, 2019, San Francisco's Board of Supervisors passed a landmark ordinance prohibiting the use of facial recognition technology by public agencies in an 8-1 vote. This marked the first instance of such a ban in a major U.S. city, with concerns over the technology's inaccuracies and its potential to violate civil rights. Particularly, the lower accuracy rates in recognizing people of color and women, which could lead to discriminatory practices, played a significant role in the decision. Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who championed the bill, stated, "We have to strike a balance between safety and freedom," highlighting the ordinance's aim. This action set an important precedent for AI technology and privacy concerns, later spreading to cities like Oakland and Berkeley.

 

◇ The Need for Balance Between Technological Advancement and Privacy Protection

 

Of course, AI technology brings undeniable benefits. From crime prevention to improving medical diagnoses and enabling efficient city management, AI has the potential to offer tremendous advantages to society. However, do these benefits justify sacrificing personal privacy? While the progress of AI cannot be halted, its unchecked use cannot be allowed either. What is urgently needed now is a balance between technological advancement and the protection of individual privacy.

 

First, raising public awareness is essential. Many people use services without understanding how their data is being collected and utilized. Individuals must recognize the importance of privacy protection and become wise users who can refuse to provide unnecessary information.

 

Next, companies need to take responsibility. In developing and applying AI technology, they must adhere to ethical guidelines. Transparency in data collection, secure management of the collected information, and strict prohibition of misuse are crucial responsibilities that companies should uphold.

 

Finally, the role of the government is critical. Clear legal regulations regarding AI technology use must be established. By referencing frameworks like the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), South Korea can build a regulatory system suited to its circumstances. At the same time, these regulations must strike a balance that does not hinder technological advancement.

 

The issue of privacy in the AI era is no longer a distant concern. Every moment, personal data is being collected and analyzed. The choices society makes now will shape the future. Will we surrender our privacy for the sake of convenience and security, or will we protect individual freedom despite the inconvenience? To prevent George Orwell’s dystopia from becoming a reality, everyone in society must pay attention to this issue and voice their concerns. The time to make our choice is now, for a healthy society that evolves alongside AI while respecting personal privacy.

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