With the supersonic speeds that technology advances, it’s hard to imagine that legislation not even a decade old is considered archaic. Whether its the accountability that Internet Providers should face for releasing client information, or what stance the government should take for regulating the video game industry.

So many technologies that we use today are brand new, when compared with how long it usually takes legislation to pass through Washington. When legislation does get past, it doesn’t take it long before it’s considered out-dated either. The quick advancement in the technology sector, specifically the internet leads to some odd interpretations of the law.

These interpretations lead to questions like: Should a struggling family with a daughter in the hospital be liable to a multi-thousand dollar lawsuit for downloading music? Is the content in video games not as susceptible to the law, as other forms of evidence?

Perhaps a good start, is to make sure our government is using updated computer technology, and not six year old versions of Windows. It’s imperative that our officials begin to grasp everything about the implications that the internet, and other forms of technology has on society.

I’m not saying that the US go completely the way of South Korea, but could possibly get inspiration. During the economic crisis of the late 90’s, South Korea heavily began investing government money in the video game sector. They opened up gaming cafes that quickly began making a surge, which then helped to revitalize the economy. There were problems to be sure, with the almost epidemic ‘internet addiction’ problem. Which the government has instituted programs for.

I’m not saying that the US government should get as involved as the South Korean’s did, but maybe we can take a page from their book. We need as many tech experts advising our politicians in Washington as much as possible. They need to anticipate questions of the law as we advance with our technology. Instead of having to wait to see what happens before action is taken.

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