Huawei and Financial Times on Reliance and Digital Tech

This week, in a seminar, the Financial Times and Huawei Technologies discussed the urgent need to unlock the importance of digital technologies and build trust for the common good. Attendees of the seminar were Vice President of Public Affairs Strategy in Huawei, Rene Arnold, Professor of Ethics and Technology, Joanna Bryson, and President in the Centre for International Governance Innovation, Rohinton Medhora. They discussed the necessary steps to realize the advantages of digital technologies for society and the environment.

The discussion covered topics around technology and ways to build trust for the greater good. They emphasized the efforts to ensure technology is vital for economic and social well-being. Moreover, they tried to form plans on minimizing technology risks while building trust in society. They aimed to ensure the responsible and ethical use of digital technologies. In fact, they explained that responsibility is vital in guaranteeing the future of the latest technologies.

Opinions of attendees

Joanna Bryson said that many individuals think transparency is the most important component. When regarding the importance of regulating technology, we need accountability. She explained that the main goal is responsible behavior. That can be achieved through accountability, and transparency can assure proper accountability.

According to Rohinton, regulation can be more effective if companies and countries make collective efforts. He said from the corporate perspective that Huawei operates in more than 169 countries. Thus, it welcomes collaboration on a framework between its sole responsibility and the shared responsibility of the industry regulation of digital technologies.

According to Rohinton Medhora, the reason for changing the connection with technology is the current pandemic has reshaped the way people work and live. He mentioned video conferencing as one example of these changes. He said that the number of people working from home moved from 7% to 30% this year in Canada.