Balwinder Kaur

Protecting children online is important, but a full ban may limit free expression and create privacy risks through strict age verification.
Stronger safety rules, parental controls, and digital literacy education may be a more balanced solution than an outright ban.

Governments should intervene when extreme wealth concentration harms economic fairness and democratic balance.
Policies like progressive taxation and stronger regulations can reduce inequality and protect public interests.

Governments may use limited surveillance to protect national security, but it must be strictly regulated.
Strong laws, transparency, and independent oversight are necessary to prevent abuse of power.
Without clear limits, mass surveillance can seriously harm privacy, freedom, and democracy.

Does surveillance capitalism strengthen innovation and economic growth, or does it undermine democracy and individual privacy?

www.nature.com/articles/s41...
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The decline in social capital in Toronto is not caused by technology alone. While social media can reduce face-to-face interaction, broader social and economic factors such as high living costs, long work hours, housing instability, and migration play a bigger role.

Is the massive capital spending on AI by major tech companies justified when many firms are burning cash faster than they’re earning returns?

Breakingviews - The Week in Breakingviews: Sizing up AI stragglers Welcome back! The dollar is down and gold is up, prompting chatter about a “sell America” trade. At Breakingviews, we don’t see much evidence of it. Let us know what we’re missing. Was this newsletter...

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Governments and employers should actively support real-world social bonds, because digital disruption often weakens everyday human interaction. Thoughtful policies and programs can create inclusive spaces that individuals alone may struggle to build.

Does digital technology strengthen or weaken social cohesion in modern societies ?

DPM Gan calls for stronger social bonds amid digital disruption As digital technologies reshape how people work and interact, DPM Gan Kim Yong outlines why trust, diverse social ties, and everyday cooperation are central to Singapore’s economic competitiveness, so...

Source: Human Resources Online
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www.humanresourcesonline.net/dpm-gan-call...
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Deferred judgment in digital discourse can empower individuals because it allows people to speak freely and learn from feedback before being judged.
But it can also oppose them because delayed backlash or online mobs can still harm reputation, mental health, and opportunities.

No, governments should not criminalize social media speech just for national security because it can silence human rights advocacy and political dissent.
Restricting these freedoms can lead to abuse of power and unfair targeting of critics.
Instead, governments should use clear laws.

Is speech recognition technology more helpful than harmful in everyday life?
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www.britannica.com/technology/s...
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Banning under-16s from social media may reduce exposure to harmful content and addictive design, but it also risks creating new problems. Strict age verification can threaten privacy, while limits on access may restrict information, social connection, and digital rights.

Australia’s under-16 social media ban can be seen as a necessary step to protect children from online harm, addiction, and data exploitation. However, critics argue it risks government overreach by limiting young people’s freedom of expression and access to digital spaces.

Yes, Australia’s under-16 social media ban could be expanded to include broader privacy and safety protections for all young people, not just age-based restrictions. Stronger rules on data collection, targeted advertising, and algorithm transparency would better protect minors online.

Should governments have the power to restrict access to social media for minors to protect their well-being, even if it raises concerns about overreach and limits freedom of expression?

Australia launches a social media ban – and is AI a bubble about to pop? Under-16s to be banned from social media in Australia, and analysts continue to monitor the massive investment in AI

Australia launches a social media ban – and is AI a bubble about to pop? www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
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Cities can use public surveillance cameras to help prevent crime and improve public safety.
However, they may violate privacy laws and individual rights if used without limits.
Constant monitoring can make people feel watched and reduce personal freedom.

AI surveillance can improve security by helping prevent crime and identify real threats quickly.
However, it can also threaten democracy if it is used to monitor citizens without transparency or consent.
Unchecked surveillance risks abuse of power and limits freedom of expression.

Companies like Home Depot sharing surveillance data with law enforcement can help prevent crime and protect employees and customers.
However, it can also threaten privacy if data is shared without consent or legal limits.
Customers may feel uncomfortable knowing their movements are monitored .

Should police be allowed to use live facial-recognition surveillance in public spaces if it helps catch criminals, even if it risks violating individual privacy rights?

Live facial recognition pilot leads to 100 arrests in first few months The Metropolitan Police says the pilot in Croydon has so far led to 103 arrests

🔗 Live facial recognition pilot leads to 100 arrests in first few months
👉 ca.news.yahoo.com/live-facial-...
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