Throughout history, tech policy failures have oscillated between the laughably misguided and the downright disastrous. While some missteps provide comic relief, others have had more serious repercussions. We delve into a few notable examples of tech policy failures that have either tickled our funny bones or made us shake our heads in disbelief.
The CHIPS and Science Act: Billions Go AWOL
The CHIPS and Science Act earmarked billions for domestic chip manufacturing in an ambitious move to bolster the U.S. semiconductor industry. However, somewhere along the way, $3.5 billion got quietly funnelled into a classified Pentagon project, which was code-named Secure Enclave. This diversion, revealed through a whistleblower report, exposed one of the most egregious tech policy failures in recent years. While the Act aimed to make the U.S. more competitive, its funds were rerouted with minimal accountability, leaving taxpayers to wonder: was this incompetence or something worse?
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: A Double-Edged Sword
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) was enacted in 1986 to combat hacking. Instead, it became a poster child for tech policy failures, thanks to its broad and vague application. The CFAA prosecuted individuals for trivial violations in the past, such as overstaying computer time at a library. This overreach sparked debates about fairness, particularly as it stifles harmless activities while ignoring larger, systemic issues in cybersecurity.
Digital Contact Tracing: A Missed Opportunity
When COVID-19 hit, governments rushed to develop digital contact tracing apps to curb the virus’s spread. It resulted in a classic case of tech policy failure. Despite the millions spent on development, adoption rates were laughably low, technical glitches were rampant, and privacy concerns scared off potential users. Instead of becoming a public health breakthrough, these apps highlighted how ineffective rushed digital solutions can be without proper planning and public trust.
Why These Tech Policy Failures Matter
These instances underscore the complexities of tech policy implementation. Crafting effective policies requires more than good intentions – it demands foresight, accountability, and a deep understanding of the tech landscape. After all, the only thing worse than bad code is bad policy.
