SOME SOCIAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF NEW TECHNOLOGY: THE IMPACT OF COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTERS

Abstract

This article surveys recent and rapid developments in the area of communications and their positive implications for Canadians. It then addresses the fear that technological advances are becoming more powerful than humanity, our institutions and our laws and are, in essence, dictating the shape of the future. It examines two issues related to the superabundance of communications channels: first, that the overabundance constitutes a powerful force in the direction of decentralization, and second, that hardware is dictating the terms of development for software. The author predicts the requirement of new and flexible government response in order for Canada to avoid inundation by imported programs, and examines privacy, international and intellectual property law to illustrate the transcending effect of technology on law.