Governments ought to use speculative fiction instruments to foretell the long run

Legislation-makers should act like speculative fiction authors and attempt to foresee how know-how will change our world, says author Ray Nayler

By Ray Nayler

RECENTLY, one thing so dystopian occurred that it appears worthy of a cyberpunk novel. A girl who was blind was given an implant that allowed her to see once more – after which, just a few years later, the implant failed, so she turned blind for a second time. As a result of the agency that invented the implant hit monetary troubles and stopped supporting its merchandise, there was nobody to assist. She nonetheless carries the useless implant in her eye, as surgical procedure to take away it could be too dangerous.

How this occurred is straightforward sufficient: tech corporations generally cease supporting their merchandise. Who’s …