Tools and Weapons: The first book by Microsoft CLO Brad Smith, exploring the biggest questions facing humanity about tech

Highly recommend. Easy to read and insightful

This was truly the "Digital Decade".2010-2019 - we witnessed probably the biggest paradigm shifts, device explosion, 2g to 5g, Data Democratization, API, AI, ML, Open Banking, Cloud Native, Voice Assistants, IoT.We lost Steve Jobs.We debated ethics and morals - Cambridge Analytica, Snowden, Theranos, Facebook episodes. We talked GDPR, Compliance, Data Protection, DevOps, Containerization. I am so excited about the next decade and how hyper digital its going to be.Tools and Weapons, by Brad Smith one of the top reads of this year and probably the most apt one as we close this Digital Decade. Thanks Brad Smith and Carol Ann Browne for this.

Really interesting to see how someone in a position of power (regarding that field) sees all those developments and the problems that come with it.And for anyone invested in the Microsoft stock definitely a book worth reading.

An interesting perspective given on the ethical and social dilemmas faced by who and what has access to data and when. “In a world where everything is connected anything can be disrupted”.A consideration for every organisation today.

Tools and Weapons provides an insightful account of how the management team at one of Blue Chip’s core technology holdings (Microsoft) have, so far, successfully navigated their share of regulatory and ethical issues. Told though the eyes of Brad Smith (Microsoft’s Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel since 2002) the book recounts how Microsoft sought to regain public trust following the antitrust controversies that plagued Microsoft throughout the 90s/early 2000s and lays out the principle-led framework the Company now follows to mitigate the risk of similar issues occurring in the future.Smith talks openly about his thoughts on many of the main hurdles facing the technology sector today (including issues relating to privacy, the relationship between the US and China and the potential benefits and threats of a world that increasingly relies upon AI).Whilst these issues are often complex in nature due, in part, to the many parties such issues typically involve, the overarching theme throughout the book is that collaboration from the various actors will prove key in resolving these issues and, in doing so, determining the future direction of technology.After a torrid few years for the reputation of the tech industry and the threat of increased regulation constantly looming in the media, I found it useful to be reminded that it is (contrarily to popular believe) often Government’s who are the ones that are reluctant to increase regulation. On reflection, given that government agencies are often the biggest abusers of consumer privacy, this should perhaps not come as a surprise! There is a disincentive on a government’s behalf to introduce regulation that (whilst enhancing consumer protection) simultaneously makes it harder for the government to obtain information held by these tech companies.

Rarely, you get a chance to get perspective on impact of Technology innovation on societies by a legal counselor, who understands both the nuances and capabilities of new technologies and also different perspectives and concerns around these technologies seen from wide range of stakeholders.What, if government asks for an enterprise data from tech company, at the same-time restrict the tech company to let the concerned enterprise know about the request? What if the government asks of global tech companies, for information that resides in data-center located in another country? The bigger question is that shall as owner of my face, do I deserve to be asked by tech companies before using my facial signature for whatever purpose, especially when I fear this may lead to bias or discrimination?Brad smith brings to life, with help of instances, the balancing acts tech companies have to ensure, between individual and enterprise privacy rights and governments rights to know for genuine reasons of preventing or investigating crimes or public safety, for example. He goes on to describe the evolutionary path tech sector has gone through to help address these challenges situations in a principled, legally supported (CLOUD ACT), technology enabled (say encryption) manner, and also given the Microsoft’s stand on some of the contentious concerns.The initiatives and demands made by some governments (Denmark, NZ or EU) often forces global tech companies to develop solutions that would become easy to be offered across the globe. Microsoft commitment to offer same level of protection to all customers irrespective of their location across the globe, means that the most demanding customers or stringent regulations define the base level for privacy for all, across the globe.Brad presents a very balanced assessment of likely impact of AI on workforce, using impact of introduction of automotive and replacement of horses as historical disruption that created new industries (eg. Consumer credit) and decimated existing ones (farms producing horse feeds, eg.). Yes, in the intermediate, there would be economic losers and winners, but in the long run technological advancements leads to overall improvement in quality of life for all. Most important question, and most difficult to answer, is how soon will AI type of technologies become mainstream! Agreed.As Bill gates puts it, BRAD SMITH offers a clear view of the questions raised by new technologies- and yes, also his suggestions of path forward, that needs considered deliberations among the stakeholders- Governments and Company Management.Governments, especially within democracies, needs to act fast to match the pace of technology innovation. Brad suggests that governments approach towards regulation needs to be similar to introducing minimum viable product (regulations) and then build up as more data, experience and understanding comes their way. Waiting to understand technology in its full nuances and its impact in totality, in quest for comprehensive fool-proof regulation may not work.As Technology companies are global, their effective regulation would require multi-lateral comity of nations coming together to design and agree to global standards and principles for regulations- which in increasingly complex world is difficult to achieve. Brad has hope on the part of the 75 odd democratic nations to form coalition of the willing, to develop some common regulatory provisions and principles, with US taking the necessary lead.Self-regulation within companies, are within the control of Companies Boards and can provide necessary support in gaining and retaining stakeholders trust. Brad proposes principles based approach to handling issues then case-to case handling of instances and then sticking to principles, whatever be the cost help retain trust. Microsoft, own decision by its ethics committee to refuse selling facial recognition technology to Government, on citizens liberty concerns, is a case in point.Brad has very well brought forth the issues and concerns facing linked to technology innovation and the increasing might and responsibilities of global tech companies in defining better future for the globe, working with stakeholders in a proactive, engaged and enlightened manner.Off-course- this book is of interest to all, besides lawyers and tech-professionals for whom it falls in must-read category. Don’t read too much in its title though!