Ambient Intelligence as a challenge for society - Dark scenarios as tool for technology assessment

Abstract

Intelligent interconnected devices embedded nearly everywhere will enable new services and applications but will also entail numerous threats and vulnerabilities. This article underlines the need to develop adequate safeguards in order to protect valuable assets such as privacy, identity, security, and trust if society at large is to benefit from Ambient Intelligence (AmI). As the challenge is to identify safeguards for threats and vulnerabilities that are yet to unfold, the dark scenario method developed by the SWAMI project (Safeguards in a World of AMbient Intelligence) is presented as a useful foresight tool to assist in highlighting risks that need to be addressed if AmI is to be successful. The article discusses the conceptual approach and design of the dark scenarios, provides brief examples from the scenario scripts and the systematic scenario analysis, and touches upon the major outcomes of the scenario exercise in terms of the proposed safeguards.