The use of new technology to create a new organism

 

The use of new technology to create a new organism

Introduction

In the recent past, crime has been moving from the normal stealing of goods and is now heading towards obtaining information through technology. The use of computers to undertake sensitive assignments is gaining popularity among modern scientists and researchers. This has been propelled by the invention of high tech softwares which can perform processes which emulate the natural process of creation.

The application

The application for a patent on new technology involving the use of advanced computers to create a new type of organism is acceptable in Law but the activity of creating a new type of organism using the computers is questionable. Casti (1997) posed the question of whether these creations are “curiosities” or have actual biological relevance. This and other concerns have made Governments and leading researchers question the ability of science to match the natural process of creation.

The interaction between the law and modern technology is complex. As technology continues to advance over decades, the laws directed between human and technological relationships should remain neutral (Brenner 2007).Further she asserts that older technologies rely on human implementation while future smart technologies will be automated.

The pace at which technology is advancing needs to be matched equally with changes in our legislations. The Computer misuse Act (1990) only identifies crimes associated with the use of existing computer applications and softwares but is silent on the use of modern technology to genetically modify organisms.However,the process of artificial creation is based on trial and error and in many instances, the original idea turns out to be the side effect of the final product.

The debate on modification of organisms has generated a lot of controversy and mixed reactions from nations. The USA, Australia and New Zealand have all passed legislations prohibiting modification of organisms or use of genetically modified organisms while in Canada and Zambia the laws have not been passed. In many African countries the debate on the modification and or the use of modified organisms is still ongoing with the relevant Governments still un decided on the course to take.

This delay in decision making might give researchers an opportunity to undertake comprehensive research on modification of organisms.Willams (2006) asserted that it is very important to have online social/cultural formations in the genesis and regulation of cyber deviance and crime as the internet is a site of social and cultural production.

Conclusion

This application is both a violation of the law, a deviant act. By seeking to undertake this assignment, the doctor is not only violating the law but also taking advantage of technological advancement to bring to the market products which have questionable production standards.Further, the ability of the organisms to match the natural ones has been challenged by many researchers and Governments.

It is also worth noting that the legality of the application will vary from country to country depending on the laws of the specific land. Therefore, there is an urgent need to review laws regarding modification of organisms across the world in order to keep pace with the ever changing technology.

Reference List

Brenner, S. (2007) Law in an era of smart technology, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Casti, J. (1997) How Simulation is changing the frontiers of science, New York: John

               Wiley & Sons, Inc.

William, M. (2006) Virtually Criminal: Crime, Deviance and regulation Online, London:

               Routledge.

 ENDS/ NZOMO AGGREY KAVALU n.kavalu@gmail.com