Atomic bomb Quote by Edward Snowden
“Someone recently talked about mass surveillance and the NSA revelations as being the atomic moment for computer scientists. The atomic bomb was the moral moment for physicists. Mass surveillance is the same moment for computer scientists, when they realize that the things they produce can be used to harm a tremendous number of people.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Mass Surveillance, 2013
Computer scientists confront the ethical impact of their creations when they enable large‑scale harm.
In simple terms: Realizing tech can harm many people.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and mitigate harmful uses.
Themes
ethics
technology
responsibility
privacy
surveillance
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy design
- software development
- research ethics
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
moral responsibility
societal impact
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can developers embed safeguards early?
- What policies best limit misuse?
A Different Perspective
Balancing innovation with safeguards is complex.
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