Blog 1- Database, Network, Sociology, Future

As companies that thrive on information and data grow, people will start giving up more and more of their personal information and habits whether they want to or not. A huge amount of data focused on each and every one of us in this class is probably already out there somewhere. People will start caring more about this data that companies have and it is up to companies to do what they want with this data.

Thankfully, the Global Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR is a governing law that requires controllers (those who store the data) and processors (those who analyze the data) must allow people to request deletion of their data, easy access to their data and for their data to be not recorded. [1]  However, with the growing market for database servicers and platforms, a problem arises. Many databases today are “Non Relational” or “NoSQL”. Because of the way NoSQL databases work, companies utilizing this type of database may not be able to follow GDPR compliance.

Cloud computing is also becoming more accessible and easier than before. “Edge” computing is basically the next step in cloud computing, which allows for the computing required for everyday internet services to be completed geographically closer to where it is needed or simply on the machine it is being used on. This will allow someone, for example, to open a website, do some work on the site and then later connect to a network and sync. [2] This allows for the same computing and work to be done, while saving bandwidth and reducing latency.

The increase in databases and computing power seems to be overwhelming and very tech sounding, however in China, they are using these tools to improve the lives of their citizens. China is utilizing security cameras to identify criminals in the streets. According to the article in the New York Times referenced below, a Chinese police officer identified a heroin smuggler by using his facial recognition glasses. [3] These technologies are tied into criminal databases and will definitely affect the way people live their lives in the public space. Sociological studies will be done to answer questions like, “Do you feel like you are being watched?”, or “Are you more wary of others, now that every move you make in public is noted and attached to you?”

[1] Tim Ford April 27 2018 itprotoday.com http://www.itprotoday.com/cloud-data-center/how-nosql-relational-databases-do-and-dont-help-companies-meet-gdpr-requirements

[2] Paul Miller theverge.com https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/5/7/17327584/edge-computing-cloud-google-microsoft-apple-amazon

[3] Paul Mozur July 8 2018 nytimes.com https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/08/business/china-surveillance-technology.html?rref=collection%2Fspotlightcollection%2Fchina-reach

Comments:

Sean:

I really enjoyed your post, I always was curious about modular building. I can see how using BIM can make this type of construction very easy and very well could be the future of construction. It is interesting how BIM is being used in very high priced projects and also in very poor areas where housing is a luxury.

Kyle:

Your post was very interesting. Scary even. It's hard to imagine we are already at that stage where specialized AI robots are somewhat common in the research field and that we could even teach something to teach something else. I always think back to the Will Smith movie iRobot when talk of AI that is not limited is brought up but to answer your question at the end, I would think that they are simply limited by the knowledge that is out there.

Harvin:

I am glad you brought up the biggest issue with AI in construction to me: job loss.  Being on many different construction sites, I have met many different people and could not imagine what it would do to the block masons if five of them could be replaced by one robot. AI seems scarier than what we make it out to be, however the points about Facebook are valid and I do not like the idea of companies harvesting information to use for AI