Industry-Funded Research Poses Risks to Society, Warns Expert

Zara Zamani Highlights Ethical Risks of Industry-Funded Research

The Dangers of Industry-Focused Research

Entrepreneur and researcher Zara Zamani has raised concerns about the increasing share of research funding coming from industry sources. While industry-funded research can have significant impacts, Zamani warns that this focus on technology over human elements poses risks to society.

Ethical Risks of Blockchain Technology

Specializing in blockchain technology, Zamani emphasizes the lack of research on the ethical risks associated with decentralization. She points out that industry-driven research in this field prioritizes profit over addressing ethical concerns, leaving potential dangers unexplored.

The Ethical Risks of Blockchain Technology

Benefits and Dangers of Blockchain

Blockchain technology offers secure record-keeping benefits but also carries ethical risks, such as data theft and inequality. Zamani warns that without proper research into the social and governance implications, blockchain could be a “hidden bomb” with far-reaching consequences.

The Need for Balanced Research

Zamani stresses the importance of balanced research involving marketers, engineers, and social scientists to address the ethical implications of blockchain. Despite the support for social sciences in Scandinavia, funding for researching these risks remains elusive.

AI and Blockchain: Interconnected Risks

The Interplay between AI and Blockchain

Zamani highlights the close relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, as AI’s data requirements necessitate decentralized ledger technologies. As AI advances, the need for blockchain technology to manage vast amounts of data becomes increasingly essential.

Contact: john.ross@timeshighereducation.com