havens@ubc-vision.CDN (Bill Havens) (01/23/85)
"COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, CANADA" Are you a computer professional who is concerned about society's use of computer technology? Computer Science, like Atomic Physics, is neutral with respect to its application either for or against humankind. Who should decide where computer technology is appropriate? Presently computers are being used in all aspects of our society, and although the potential power and uses of computers can enhance our world, there are also inherent limitations and dangers in using them inappropriately. The U.S. Defense Department intends to use Artificial Intelligence and advanced computing technologies in a variety of weapons systems including strategic nuclear weapons. Will these systems increase or decrease our real security? As well, computers used in communications, databases, and control systems can present serious problems of privacy and safety. We as computer professionals are the experts who best understand these issues. We cannot rely on the special interests of the defense establishment or private industry (in any country) to ensure our safety. If you are interested in forming a Canadian society similar to the existing CPSR in the United States, please let us know (the name of the society above is tentative). Bill Havens... havens@ubc.CSNET ...!ubc-vision!havens Department of Computer Science University of British Columbia Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1W5