In every society, the laws and regulations put into practice are dynamic. Hence, some acceptable things today may become banned in the coming years. As people become aware of various environmental, health, and ethical issues, several products and behaviors may soon become banned by law.
Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition technology (FRT) promises to erode privacy on a scale never witnessed before, and machine learning is expected to be a driving force behind this violation of privacy. Common forms of FRT misuse involve law enforcement agencies and corporate use, increasing risks when this technology goes unregulated. To safeguard individual freedom, the use of resources in public settings and by private individuals and organizations could be stopped.
Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are now commonplace, therefore making them a significant environmental menace. Americans use 365 plastic bags per person yearly, implying that over a hundred billion plastic bags are used annually in the United States alone. These plastics cause enormous amounts of waste; many are in landfills or spread across seas and oceans. For instance, it was estimated that over 8 million tons of plastics find their way into the seas and oceans, where they disintegrate into microplastics.
Harmful Pesticides and Herbicides
Some of the agricultural industry’s smelly, toxic, and persistent impacts include the unholy use of pesticides and herbicides. Some of these chemicals find their way into the food chain, water, and even the air, with dangerous consequences for individuals’ health. The following ways could be implemented to limit or ban the use of certain hazardous chemicals that pose a danger to people.
Spam Calls
Spam Calls are now a common problem and also a form of scam. Robocalls have become the biggest concern for people within the United States. In 2022, Americans alone received more than 50.3 billion robocalls. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that such calls are usually followed by scams, which take billions of dollars from Americans each year. The passing of the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act in 2019 aimed to reduce these nuisances, but more decisive action could see the calls banned completely.
Germline Gene Editing
Gene editing tools offer a broad prospect for curing diseases, although their use for germline human cells is ethically questionable. The potential for germline editing resulting in the creation of genetically modified human beings with unforeseen effects may cause people to ban germline editing.
Autonomous Weapons
The recent advancement in the system of automated weapons has raised major questions about human control and responsibility. These weapons might cause many deaths and jeopardize world stability. International prohibitions may be vital to avoid the worst-case scenarios as more countries adopt AI weapon systems.
Artificial Tanning Beds
Manufactured tanning beds used in commercial salons have also been associated with skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology claims that persons who tan indoors before the age of 35 are 59% more likely to get melanoma. Some countries have already banned the use of indoor training beds, and others may follow suit in the future. Quasi-sun tanning beds have negative effects on skin cancer.
Flavored Tobacco Products
Products such as menthol cigarettes or flavored e-cigarettes are usually targeted at the segments of the population that comprise the youth. The FDA has also advocated for these types of products to be regulated to decrease the teenage smoking population. Such a ban may reduce the number of people developing nicotine dependence and thereby reduce occurrences of diseases in society.
Predatory Payday Loans
Payday loans characterized by high interest rates and short repayment periods subject the borrowers to repay the loans on successive payrolls. Certain states have implemented policies to control these loans, while the federal government may ban them nationwide. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Proceeds to explain that regulating payday loans might benefit consumers from their invasive tendencies and encourage sustainable loan borrowing.
Single-Use Batteries
With rising concerns regarding the effects on the environment, companies may then be forced to use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points out that people should use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones, hence improving the conservation of this type of waste. A ban on single-use batteries entails benefits that include reduced costs for consumers and reduced environmental pollution.
High-Sugar Products
High-sugar products, especially those targeting children, are likely to face more restrictions concerning their consumption as obesity and diabetes continue to rise. The American Heart Association shows that the average American has a daily sugar intake of about 77 gm/day, which is immoral. When people avoid products with high sugar content, they will quickly reduce their hospital bills and improve the general well-being of society.
Non-Compete Agreements
Similarly, non-compete agreements have been deemed anti-competition, affecting workers’ mobility and suppressing wages. The Federal Trade Commission has already proposed a rule that prohibits employers from entering into non-compete clauses with their employees. When this rule is enforced, there could likely be an improvement in competition, pushing up wages for all employees in different fields.
Exotic Animal Ownership
The idea of exotic animals being kept as pets puts the lives of exotic animals and their owners at risk. This is particularly true in places where exotic pets are regulated, such as California and New York; its final regulations may soon apply in other states. They believe that having wild animals as pets is inhumane and risky. Regulation of exotic pet ownership could benefit animal and human subjects by improving the quality of life and reducing risks for both.
Animal Testing for Cosmetics
A report stated that around 115 million animals are used annually for lab research, leading to the death of over 500,000 animals. The practice led to unnecessary suffering for animals in the name of science, despite the availability of many alternatives thanks to advanced technology. This cruelty may be banned in the future as many activists and organizations are raising their voices against it and demanding cruelty-free cosmetic products.