Ethical Implications of the Tactile Internet (ETAC)

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Technological Development (ZIT) and the Centre for Methods in the Social Sciences (ZSM) examine possibilities for a humane, just and sustainable embedding of TaHiL into society. In a process iteratively linked with the consortium, these possibilities are explored in three modules.

(1) Within the technology impact assessment module, needs analyses are carry out and regularly updated, potential impact paths for the respective complex contexts of the application cases and possible consequences for individuals, society and the environment are being researched. This module is headed by Martin Schmauder, chair of human factors, member of the ZIT.

(2) The ethical technology assessment module will comprise the examination of the social acceptability and acceptance of technical developments in relation to their possible consequences. The prerequisite for this is the development of an ethical value canon, its specification in relation to the respective applications of TaHiL and the ascertaining of values of the involved researchers and developers, the users and the stakeholders. This module is headed by Gerd Grübler, PD at the Institute of Philosophy and member of the ZIT.

(3) Within the science and technology communication module, a nationally representative two-wave survey is carried out (N = 1000). The first wave will take place at the beginning of CeTI (2019) to identify public opinion, social opportunities, challenges and public values. The second wave will follow toward the end of CeTI (2025). Between the two waves, content analyses of leading mass media outlets will be conducted and social media will be monitored. The module is headed by Sven Engesser, Professor of Science and Technology Communication, with a focus on Internet of Things, and member of ZIT.

All surveys and support for experimental components will be organized by the the Center for Methods of the Social Sciences under the supervision of its director, Lutz Hagen. ZSM will generally be in charge of methodological support for TaHiL.

Project duration: 2019 – 2025