Technology & ScienceDiscuss Both ViewsIntermediateHigh Frequency

Crime and Technology

Prompt

Some people think technology development decreases crime, while others believe it actually encourages crime. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

#technology and crime#surveillance#cybercrime#criminal tools#dual-use technology#social causation

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Band 7 → 9 — Band 7 presents both views fairly (technology as both deterrent and tool) without depth; Band 9 recognizes that technology's effect depends on the ecosystem—it reduces street crime in developed nations with enforcement capacity while enabling sophisticated fraud, and enables new crimes (cybercrime, drone delivery theft) faster than authorities adapt.

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Key concepts in this essay

dual-use technology
crime enablement
law enforcement capacity
accessibility of crime tools
technological disruption of criminal networks

Pitfalls the model essay avoids

Treating 'technology development' as a monolithic force instead of recognizing different technologies have opposing effects (CCTV reduces theft, encryption enables money laundering)
Failing to address that both views can be partially correct depending on crime type and jurisdiction
Discussing technology abstractly without analyzing specific examples (DNA databases vs. 3D-printed weapons, for instance)

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