How should we approach the development of cyber-policy and -infrastructure given the “short arm” of predictive knowledge?

The unknown can be a scary thought to many. Fear of what our actions can cause down the road could also hinder our ability to take the leap to further develop ourselves or technology. When discussing the approach, we should take in cyber-policy and infrastructure, the effect should be considered. When developing cyber policies and infrastructure, it is paramount to consider the effect that these policies could have in the future, even if said future is out of our lifetimes. Without considering the effect of these actions, we could potentially hinder the lives of others. I will discuss privacy in this topic because it is something that all of us relate to and would like others to respect. With the new technological advances that have been made in recent times, a lot of our private data is stored in companies’ databases and a lot of the time, we are not sure who controls or has access to this information or how the unnecessary information collected is being decimated. For this reason, we should try to think ahead and list out all possibilities to ensure that individual’s privacy is not falling into the wrong hands, or that unnecessary information is being collected. For example, my health status, saved by my doctors, should not hinder my ability to get health insurance as others would. Cyber policies should be in place that prevent companies from discriminating against others using the data collected by companies, i.e., our doctor’s office. This form of thinking will allow us to mold policies in a way that will protect users now and, in the future, to potential violations of human rights. Cyber infrastructures that monitor activity should also be thought about in the same light, thinking about what information is being collected and how this information could potentially be used. If policies and infrastructures are already in place, it is important now, and in the future, to always update policies to fit the norms of the current society. What may work for us now, may not work for others in the future.