Technology is the science of combining materials and human labor to produce goods and services. The technologies we use each day have a range of benefits and side effects. They change the way we live.
There are many types of technology, from industrial tools to computers. We use technology for communication, information exchange, and entertainment. It helps us stay connected to the world and express our feelings.
Technology is also a tool for improving our lives. Businesses use it to deliver services to their customers. It allows for the exchange of information and the promotion of new products.
While technology is a powerful force in the development of civilization, it has not always been used for peaceful purposes. Some of its most destructive weapons have been developed throughout history.
As technologies become more complex, the relationships between them are becoming more difficult. This means that we need to develop better structures for the governance of global technologies.
Various international organizations contribute to the process of developing rules for new technologies. These include the International Organization for Standardization, a multilateral organization, and various nongovernmental organizations.
For example, the United States has a liability regime to address safety and security failings in its technology. Another example is the General Data Protection Regulation, which focuses on addressing the responsibilities of data processors.
Unlike other types of engineering, technological systems are prone to failure. Design is not sufficient for all conditions, and the system can fail because some part does not match well with the rest.