[brightstep]

That’s not true. We don’t need to do this. Absent intervention, sure these technologies are likely to be introduced and invade our lives. But we are humans, not computers, and despite the decisions of the last several decades, we are not required to allow market forces and the profit motive algorithm to make all decisions in our society. We can make whatever rules and decisions we want. It won’t come without a fight, but this horrifying development seems a pretty good place to start.

[freedomben]

What government is going to turn down these capabilities? Even if they banned "private sector" development, you can bet they're still gonna go down this road.

And frankly, that might be for the best. Imagine whatever country is most antagonistic toward your own, and now imagine their military fully develops this and yours doesn't. How safe/secure are you feeling?

[JohnFen]

> How safe/secure are you feeling?

I don't think I'd feel (or be) much less safe/secure if an antagonistic nation developed such a thing and mine didn't. I would certainly feel less safe and secure if my nation had this capability regardless of whether or not others did.