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Tools and Weapons: The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age by Carol Ann Browne, Brad Smith
supernova_reader's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Very interesting book, and mostly well written. Lost my interest in the concluding bit a little, but that's not a big deal. I really appreciated the foot notes with explanations and interesting related stories. Since the author is a lawyer it's not your typical perspective on a lot of these technical issues, and the different background he was pulling from made the book stand out.
resing's review against another edition
5.0
The application of recently developed forms of technology is affecting the world is new and different ways than ever before. The authors makes a strong case that we've reached another inflection point in human history. They provide many examples of how the world is already changing. However, they don't stop there. They explain what is already being done by world leaders to address this change. And, they explain more that needs to be done.
The recent, rapid rise of big data, machine learning and ubiquitous connectivity are a powerful combination that are already changing the world in ways we're only beginning to understand. Like other game-changing technologies of the past, this one requires thought and leadership to ensure the massive changes coming are as positive as possible.
There are massive, timely topics covered by this book in a way that applies history and current events in a practical, understandable way. One example that is dear to me is the treatment of how democracy is under attack. And yet, it has been from the start. Benjamin Franklin declared the new, US government he helped create "A republic, if you can keep it." Enemies of democracy then used their existing power base, naval fleets, racial oppression, taxation, guns, even germs to keep people down. Today they are using AI, including facial recognition, social media, privacy and security exploits, the cloud, surveillance, disruption of the workforce, and inequality. They are using all the tools at their disposal to attack and we must be vigilant to protect what we believe in.
Brad Smith started his career at Microsoft as a lawyer. And, today, he's still responsible for a very strong legal team. By now, his influence on the company and the world goes far beyond just law. If you're a lawyer, thinking about how technology applies to law, you should read this. If you're a lawyer and you're not, you should be! And, even if you, like me, are not a lawyer, you should read this book if you're concerned or excited about how technology is changing the world.
The recent, rapid rise of big data, machine learning and ubiquitous connectivity are a powerful combination that are already changing the world in ways we're only beginning to understand. Like other game-changing technologies of the past, this one requires thought and leadership to ensure the massive changes coming are as positive as possible.
There are massive, timely topics covered by this book in a way that applies history and current events in a practical, understandable way. One example that is dear to me is the treatment of how democracy is under attack. And yet, it has been from the start. Benjamin Franklin declared the new, US government he helped create "A republic, if you can keep it." Enemies of democracy then used their existing power base, naval fleets, racial oppression, taxation, guns, even germs to keep people down. Today they are using AI, including facial recognition, social media, privacy and security exploits, the cloud, surveillance, disruption of the workforce, and inequality. They are using all the tools at their disposal to attack and we must be vigilant to protect what we believe in.
Brad Smith started his career at Microsoft as a lawyer. And, today, he's still responsible for a very strong legal team. By now, his influence on the company and the world goes far beyond just law. If you're a lawyer, thinking about how technology applies to law, you should read this. If you're a lawyer and you're not, you should be! And, even if you, like me, are not a lawyer, you should read this book if you're concerned or excited about how technology is changing the world.
alhaider's review against another edition
2.0
This whole book was an ad for Microsoft. It did contain good information for someone who does not work in the tech world.
maijau's review against another edition
3.0
The authors raise interesting and important questions and it is rather encouraging to read that someone with arguably a lot of influence in the relevant circles seems to think about major issues of our times from multiple angles, explicitly highlighting themes such as privacy, democracy and human rights.
On the other hand, the actions detailed in the book are very Microsoft centric and I could not help but wonder if this is justifiable alone by the authors affiliation. I am accepting the notion that some big firms, I mention in particular Amazon, Facebook and Google, do not seem to be doing enough and far from the same as Microsoft. However I believe there are many other initiatives in the industry, public administrations and in particular NGOs. Given this, at times the book seems all too polished in favor of Microsoft.
Further, I f you are not yourself in a senior leadership position in the relevant industries or politics, it seems difficult to take concrete learnings away from the book. It might be too much to ask for hands-on approaches and solutions to complex and inter-dependent questions, but while certain paths are outlined, the book meanders on a rather high and abstract level, often involving lenghty descriptions of legal, corporate and political issues.
All in all, it was an interesting read with many different facets but leaves me wondering what I should have learned for myself. 3 stars are on the lower end, in particular given the thorough and precise research backed by an extensive list of original sources, but 4 stars seem to generous.
On the other hand, the actions detailed in the book are very Microsoft centric and I could not help but wonder if this is justifiable alone by the authors affiliation. I am accepting the notion that some big firms, I mention in particular Amazon, Facebook and Google, do not seem to be doing enough and far from the same as Microsoft. However I believe there are many other initiatives in the industry, public administrations and in particular NGOs. Given this, at times the book seems all too polished in favor of Microsoft.
Further, I f you are not yourself in a senior leadership position in the relevant industries or politics, it seems difficult to take concrete learnings away from the book. It might be too much to ask for hands-on approaches and solutions to complex and inter-dependent questions, but while certain paths are outlined, the book meanders on a rather high and abstract level, often involving lenghty descriptions of legal, corporate and political issues.
All in all, it was an interesting read with many different facets but leaves me wondering what I should have learned for myself. 3 stars are on the lower end, in particular given the thorough and precise research backed by an extensive list of original sources, but 4 stars seem to generous.
clarxvizconde13's review against another edition
5.0
I ventured into this book as the October read for the World Economic Forum Book Club (and part of the special readings on the Fourth Industrial Revolution that I am pursuing). At a time when Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing what technology entails for democracy and society as a whole, the book is definitely a must-read.
From the title alone, the authors explore how the digital age brings with it benefits and challenges (or risks), depending on how it will be utilized. It also explores how technology will change the face of how government works and how society must be prepared to adopt and adapt to these changes. As a person who lives in a developing country such as the Philippines, the book makes one realize the leaps that must be taken in order to catch up with the looming advancements.
From the title alone, the authors explore how the digital age brings with it benefits and challenges (or risks), depending on how it will be utilized. It also explores how technology will change the face of how government works and how society must be prepared to adopt and adapt to these changes. As a person who lives in a developing country such as the Philippines, the book makes one realize the leaps that must be taken in order to catch up with the looming advancements.
leigh_ann_15_deaf's review against another edition
4.0
I always became irrationally upset at the inconvenience of having to update Windows–especially when it needed to update more than once a month. But after reading this book, I not only understand why updates are so important, but also support them.
Using a narrative format, Smith and Browne tell the story of data (not the android from Star Trek) and privacy in an age where privacy seems hard to come by. It's nice to be able to read a very brief overview of that period and its consequences from someone who was there and who can write in a clear and defined way. They make a strong case for why everyone around the globe (governments, tech companies, and individuals) needs to make a more concentrated effort on protecting ourselves and each, accepting responsibility for maintaining/regulating our systems, and seeing out the consequences of our own decisions and inventions.
Using a narrative format, Smith and Browne tell the story of data (not the android from Star Trek) and privacy in an age where privacy seems hard to come by. It's nice to be able to read a very brief overview of that period and its consequences from someone who was there and who can write in a clear and defined way. They make a strong case for why everyone around the globe (governments, tech companies, and individuals) needs to make a more concentrated effort on protecting ourselves and each, accepting responsibility for maintaining/regulating our systems, and seeing out the consequences of our own decisions and inventions.
vlad's review
2.0
Lawyers are very careful writers. Brad Smith is smart, capable, progressive, etc. But he doesn’t take any risks here, and he doesn’t stray from the official Microsoft position, and he is careful to complement the Trump administration. Spends a lot of time defending MSFT and promoting the company’s activities. So, in sum, too much public relations and public affairs spin to be a trustworthy or thought-provoking read.
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