Futures

Building an Inclusive Digital Future: Challenges and Solutions for Aotearoa New Zealand, (from page 20240609.)

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Themes

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Summary

The essay advocates for creating an inclusive world through equitable digital technology that serves everyone, especially marginalized communities. It emphasizes the need to address existing systemic issues in New Zealand’s digital ecosystem, which often favors the majority while excluding the 20% who fall outside the ‘80% bell curve.’ The authors argue that technology should not be viewed as an inevitable solution but rather a product of human choices and systems. They propose that change requires deep, systemic shifts in how technology is designed and implemented, guided by Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique values and commitments to human rights. The essay concludes with three critical questions to guide future technological developments: identifying what works, what harms, and what is missing in our digital landscape.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Inclusive Digital Design A growing focus on creating digital systems that serve diverse user needs. Shifting from designing for the majority to inclusivity for all users. Digital systems will be more accessible and tailored to diverse communities, enhancing user experience. Increasing awareness of systemic inequities and advocacy for marginalized groups. 4
Decentralization of Data Control Emerging conversations about local data sovereignty and control over personal information. Transitioning data management from centralized giants to local governance. Communities will have greater control over their data, influencing privacy and sovereignty. Desire for empowerment and protection of local cultures and identities. 4
Critical View of Technological Optimism A shift towards skepticism about technology as a universal solution to societal issues. From blind faith in technology to critical assessment of its impacts. Technology will be approached with a more nuanced understanding of its limitations and potential harms. Recognition of the complexity of social issues and the inadequacy of surface-level solutions. 5
Cultural Integration in Tech Incorporating Aotearoa’s unique cultural values into digital systems. From generic tech solutions to culturally relevant and context-aware systems. Digital technologies will reflect local values and practices, enhancing community engagement. A commitment to honoring local culture and traditions in the digital landscape. 4
Systemic Change Advocacy Growing grassroots movements pushing for deep systemic changes in tech. Shift from minor adjustments to a call for fundamental changes in tech design and deployment. Advocacy will lead to more ethical and equitable tech practices in New Zealand. Public demand for accountability and ethical practices in technology development. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Digital Exclusion The design of digital systems favors the ‘80 percent’, leaving the remaining 20 percent, such as the disabled and elderly, underserved. 5
Systemic Bias in Tech Existing technological frameworks replicate historical inequities, reinforcing discrimination against marginalized groups. 5
Data Sovereignty Risks As data is increasingly stored with international cloud services, indigenous rights and local control over data may be compromised. 4
Spread of Misinformation Social platforms’ design facilitates rapid spread of misinformation, causing potential harm to communities, as seen during the pandemic. 5
Profit Over People Profit-driven motives in technology development lead to neglect of user well-being and systemic change, perpetuating existing issues. 5
Inadequate Technological Solutions Surface-level fixes to technological biases and inequities do not address deeper systemic issues, leading to temporary solutions. 4
Cultural Misalignment in Tech Digital systems may not adequately reflect Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique culture and values, risking alienation of local users. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Inclusive Design Practices Emphasizing the need for technology and services to be designed for all users, not just the majority, to combat systemic oppression. 5
Community-Centric Technology Development Prioritizing the needs and aspirations of local communities over profit and convenience in technology development. 5
Systemic Change Advocacy Calling for deeper, systemic changes in digital technology frameworks rather than surface-level adjustments to address biases and inequities. 4
Recognition of Indigenous Rights in Digital Spaces Integrating indigenous rights and perspectives into the design and implementation of digital technologies in Aotearoa New Zealand. 5
Holistic Future Planning for Technology Encouraging a forward-thinking approach that asks critical questions about current systems and their impact, rather than just predicting trends. 4
Emphasis on Maintenance and Sustainability Recognizing the importance of maintaining existing systems and practices that work well while addressing those that cause harm. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Digital systems designed to be equitable and accessible for all, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. 5 8115a7120c6b8a58c853c504e0d0ab75
Technologies that empower individuals and communities to retain control over their personal data, ensuring sovereignty and local governance. 4 8115a7120c6b8a58c853c504e0d0ab75
Artificial intelligence frameworks that prioritize ethical use and minimize bias, promoting fairness in technology applications. 5 8115a7120c6b8a58c853c504e0d0ab75
Digital technologies that reflect and uphold the unique cultural contexts and values of specific communities, especially Indigenous peoples. 5 8115a7120c6b8a58c853c504e0d0ab75
Innovations that enable users to repair their devices, promoting sustainability and reducing waste in the tech industry. 4 8115a7120c6b8a58c853c504e0d0ab75

Issues

name description relevancy
Digital Inclusivity The need for digital systems to be inclusive and equitable for diverse populations, including marginalized groups. 5
Historical Bias in Technology The replication of historic inequities in tech design, which often serves only the majority. 5
Data Sovereignty for Indigenous Peoples Concerns about the control and sovereignty of indigenous data in the context of global cloud services. 4
Misinformation Challenges The rapid spread of misinformation on social platforms and its real-world consequences. 4
Systemic Change in Tech Design The need for deeper systemic changes in technology design rather than surface-level fixes. 5
Cultural Context in Technology The importance of embedding local cultural values and frameworks in digital systems in Aotearoa New Zealand. 4
Future of Work in Tech Shifting perspectives on the role of technology in society, emphasizing human agency and responsibility. 5
Ethical Digital Infrastructure The call for digital systems that uphold human rights and ethical commitments in Aotearoa. 5