Technology can bring many benefits, but it can also cause social and environmental problems. In relation to new technology, the primary duty of Governments should be to focus on potential problems, rather than benefits.

You should write at least 250 words.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

It is true that new technologies can create serious social and environmental problems. The question is whether governments should focus on these problems when they are formulating policies relating to new technology.

Some people would argue that governments have an important watchdog role to play and that they should attempt to establish whether a proposed technology is likely to have any harmful effects. This is seen as an aspect of government looking after the public interest and showing concern for the welfare of its citizens. These people would invest government with the power to veto the introduction of certain technologies.

The problem with this approach, however, is that it is very difficult to know in advance what the full effects of any new technology will be. The history of science and technology has many fascinating examples of unexpected developments. Sometimes a technological advance in one area can lead to a surprising breakthrough in another, seemingly unrelated area. For example, technology which originated from the US space program has been further developed and applied in many other areas of life. And one certainly cannot depend on government bureaucracies to make accurate assessments about these matters.

Another problem is that, where one government might decide to ban the use of a new technology, another country may well go ahead with its introduction. In an increasingly competitive global economy the first country may severely disadvantage itself by such an action.

New technology is essential for a country's economic development. The best approach is to positively encourage the development of new technologies and to focus on their benefits. Any problems that may arise can be dealt with after implementation. (279 words)