TED Talks: Marc Goodman: A vision of crimes in the future

TED Talks: Marc Goodman: A vision of crimes in the future

FILMED JUN 2012 * POSTED JUL 2012 * TEDGlobal 2012

In this video Marc Goodman discusses the future of crimes and the effects technology has in enhancing such crimes. Mr. Goodman opened up with a simple pager and cell phone reference. In this reference he states that in the late 80’s early 90’s drug dealers and gang members had cell phones and pagers before doctors and police officers. Then Mr. Goodman goes on to say how with today’s technology, Drug Cartels have built cell phone networks from the ground up. (Here he show’s a picture of one of the many cell phone network towers that are located in many states in Mexico). The significance of these cell phone towers is the fact that every day citizens cannot get good cell phone reception in San Francisco, yet Drug Lords have their own cell phone networks which allow them and their organization members to have clear reception and allows them to stay connected.  This ability to stay connected has allowed them to stay ahead of the police and FBI. It allows them to stay in business and increase their profits. It has also given them the ability to track those who may owe them money and goods and services, almost undetected.

Those who are into crimes have found several technological based ways to accomplish their crimes. The average home burglary has gone hi-tech. With people posting their whereabouts on social medias like Facebook and Twitter, those who want to break into someone’s home will know in advance or real time if the people are home or not. With public mapping resources like google earth and google maps, burglars can watch their potential victim’s home right from the internet. Mr. Goodman’s point behind this analogy is the fact that technology is enhancing those who are able to use technology for crimes.

So how does one protect their self? One of the main points is be cautious and mindful.  Meaning, don’t make everything in your private life public knowledge.  If you need to let people know, pick up the phone and call them or talk to them in person. Take back come control of personal privacy. As cyber crimes and every day crimes continue to grow based on technology, we as users need to be more selective on how we use technology, what we use technology for and what we post on the internet.

Reference:

FILMED JUN 2012 * POSTED JUL 2012 * TEDGlobal 2012

http://www.ted.com/talks/marc_goodman_a_vision_of_crimes_in_the_future.html