Smart Dust

Smart Dust - sensor chips with self organizing radio networks - each chip bounces messages to its neighbors.

Although the future of Smart Dust seems very promising in terms of its usability concept, as with other technologies, many challenges lie ahead to prevent it from being misused. In the past new technological developments, have brought with it unforeseen consequences at times causing tremendous damage to people as individuals or society as a whole, Smart Dust seems not to be the exception. Smart Dust technologies working as networked molecular particles with its capabilities of measuring, collecting, and sending information remotely can be misused in many different ways, here are a few.

Personal privacy seems to be a major concern for individuals. Many people fear losing personal privacy to tiny new surveillance devices. For example, if today a person can be followed or monitored using the GPS capabilities of a cell phone, in the future there will be no need for it anymore because Smart Dust could be sprayed on his or her clothing, to track that person. Therefore, if using nanotechnology, surveillance equipment that is invisible to the naked eye can be made, then, invasion of personal privacy won’t happen only in public places but also in private places, because these monitoring equipment would be hidden almost anywhere. On the other hand, if used properly the benefits of it can also be great. For example, Smart Dust can be used as a tracking device to monitor a person that cannot see or talk.

Moreover, if Smart Dust can be used as wireless networks, criminals can use it to steal critical information, be it personal or corporate. For instance; instead of hacking directly into servers and stealing credit card information from customers, a criminal can install equipment configured with the correct sensors and a proper software application in a small supermarket and record wirelessly credit card information from a credit card reader.

Another unintended consequence has nothing to do with the technology but, with the materials used to manufacture Smart Dust. Unfortunately, in this global economy profit takes over the well-being of people. For instance, in the past and also today companies engaged in the production and manufacture of electronic products (for example, computers) have ignored the consequences of using toxic materials in its components. Smart Dust being in the form of “Dust” poses the risk of the dispersal of non-biodegradable particles (the chips) throughout the environment and potentially altering the soil content for instance. This action would greatly alter the natural environment of, water sources, plants, animals and potentially food production for humans. Additionally, the risk of ingesting Smart Dust particles, through consumption, inhalation, or skin absorption, should be of great concern. E-waste is a great example to look at.

Finally, Smart Dust is also being developed in the military arena. Proponents argue that with nanotechnology and Smart Dust the US will have more capabilities to protect its borders or prevent another 9/11 from happening. In theory it seems a good idea, however, there remains unforeseen negative impacts. Consider for example, other information-dominant countries without strong US ties, they will also research counter technologies or hide their own surveillance developments using Smart Dust, this is very dangerous especially as adversarial relationship builds. In the end these very actions could trigger an unintended Smart Dust-type arms race between nations potentially ending up in cyber warfare.

So, while the benefits of Smart Dust could outweigh its unintended consequences, only the future will tell. As for us, at an individual level, it is necessary to educate ourselves about the subject. Some of the unintended consequences mentioned here could be just mere speculations, however, there are a couple that seem to be very realistic, invasion of personal privacy, and the potential for destroying the environment.

You be the judge, this is just my wee opinion.