5G Network and Its Ethical Issues
Introduction
According to Nieto et al. (881-889), every new thing has its bad side, but it is dependent on its application for the betterment of humanity. For a fact, the invention of more modern technologies, especially the fifth-generation network, has globalized the world, making activities impedingly faster than they have been over the past decades. For instance, there is increased easier access to quality healthcare services across the globe and particularly in the US. However, Liyanage et al. (197-203) argue that this technology is accompanied by other risk factors that will probably render the world an unsafe place for human survival. In this light, studies have explored various issues related to the fifth-generation network, and the possible solutions that may be adopted towards them to ensure the benefits obtained outdo the risks associated (Latif et al. 93). As a counter-attack strategy, researchers have identified potential risks of the 5G network, such as increased threats on cybersecurity, lack of discretion on personal and private information, and lack of data safety amid solutions like crowdsourcing and regulations to promote the privacy of information.
Ethical Issues on 5G Network
More than ever, Latif et al. (93) reveal that humanity is in desperation for the best minds to recommend solutions to these ethical ramifications presented by the current networks like 4G, which are still apparent and the unruffled probability that the fifth-generation system will not be any exceptional. In this light, governments need to prepare for the massive risks accompanied by this network. Firstly, Nieto et al. (881-889) identify the cyberattack as a rapidly increasing threat in the current 4G world and the consequent induction of the same by the 5G network. Ethicists portray this as a rational issue that is rampant in the contemporary modern world where cyber threats are a daily routine. Infiltration of malware on devices, hacking, and exposure of critical information to wrongful users is a significant concern for many. Fortunately, Nieto et al. (881-889) present a reliable solution of crowdsourcing as a potential counter-attack strategy to mitigate cyber criminal activities. According to Nieto et al. (881-889), crowdsourcing may be applied in commercial activities between various service providers to identify potential attacks. Also, the method has been proved as a fast response technique towards disasters among users of social media.
Additionally, Liyanage et al. (197-203) observe that there is a risk of lack of data security for personal and private information. Researcher’s findings indicate that potential malware may be inferred in their phones or computers where the hackers may send multiple commands relating to the same. Consequently, the speed of this network, which governs the registration and deregistration and paging that are responsible for notifying one of incoming calls or texts, may be prone to control by these criminals. According to Liyanage et al. (197-203), among the benefits of 5G technology is to protect phone identifiers, for instance, the international mobile subscriber identity to prevent targeted attacks and tracking. However, with speed demonstrated by this network overrides these security protocols, for example, studies indicate that the phone may be placed on a limited-service mode, which forces it to send the IMSI number unencrypted, resulting in data corruption. Despite the invention of increased alternative IDs commonly called the Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity, there are also existing flaws that relate 5G to override even these protocols (Liyanage et al. 197-203). Attempts to counter this problem may be geared through the implementation of regulations by the government, industries, and people that promote privacy objectives
On the other hand, Li (205-208) notes that the 5G network is anticipated to bring forth significant constructs, particularly in the health sector, that will help improve the dissemination of healthcare services to various groups. Research indicates the existence of several ethical issues in the health sector that the fifth-generation network will help address. According to Li (205-208), the 5G wireless transmission technology will assist in improving the patient experience and the overall healthcare service quality. More so, it will assist in cutting the costs attributable to the dissemination of these medical services to clients. Further, (Latif et al. 93), 5G will help in the proportional distribution of healthcare services between the urban and rural areas at a more efficient and convenient method than what is here currently. For instance, areas of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will benefit from the 5G hence promoting the intelligence of medicine that will be applied in fields such as rehabilitation training (Latif et al. 93). Also, the network would contribute significantly to the area of telemedicine where massive medical devices are connected to a central cloud computing without network congestion which prompts immediate diagnosis by physicians.
However, Li (205-208) has identified potential pitfalls associated with the application of the 5G network in the medical industry. He describes that despite it being a fast network, it is linked to bandwidth and low latency, which cause service breakdowns due to increased access to online internet service by many users in the same area (Li (205-208). Also, he identifies that 5G is not a single technology; therefore, it is singled out for splitting among other techniques. In light of this, Liyanage et al. (197-203) identify 5G as an underpinning of different technologies, for instance, the Internet of Things (IoT) or the big data, which exaggerates the role of the network in the health sector; therefore it has been rendered as misleading.
Conclusion
Research indicates that 5G will bring new possibilities for a variety of fields in modern society that will be in multiples and far-reaching. Ideally, some of the governments and people flinch towards the thought of the massive impact this network is tagging along. However, we have to be prepared to embrace this new advancement alongside its potential consequences that are bound to bring along. Majorly, there are no new impacts that we are not exposed to, only that their intensity will be profoundly felt; hence, there is a need for prior preparedness towards the same. For instance, the fifth-generation network is anticipated to induce the intensity of cyber attacks, hacking, and invasion of privacy. Methods such as crowdsourcing and regulation of privacy need to be implemented to counter these radical damages from this technology. With this, there will be increased chances of reducing cybercrimes alongside improving the well-being of humanity.
Work Cited
Latif, Siddique, et al. “How 5g wireless (and concomitant technologies) will revolutionize healthcare?” Future Internet (2017): 9(4), 93, doi.org/10.3390/fi9040093.
Li, Dong. “5G and intelligence medicine—how the next generation of wireless technology will reconstruct healthcare?” Precision Clinical Medicine (2019): 2(4), 205-208, doi.org/10.1093/pcmedi/pbz020.
Liyanage, Madhusanka, et al. “5G privacy: Scenarios and solutions.”In 2018 IEEE 5G World Forum (5GWF) (2018): (pp. 197-203). IEEE. Doi:10.1109/5GWF.2018.8516981.
Nieto, Ana, Antonio Acien, and Gerardo Fernandez. “CrowdsourcingCrowdsourcing analysis in 5G IoT: Cybersecurity threats and mitigation.” Mobile Networks & Applications(2019): 24(3), 881-889. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s11036-018-1146-4.