The Darker Side of Digital by Dan Holloway

We like to think that ebooks are ethically wonderful. No dead rainforests, no nasty carbon. Of course, the environmental impact of ereading is not as simple as that. But that's not what I want to talk about. I want to talk about one of the aspects of technology that really doesn't get the attention it deserves, but of which we, as digital writers, really need to be aware. It's something of which I was woefully ignorant until I met the wonderful poet Emma Ako, who works tirelessly to promote awareness.

At the heart of the electronics industry, especially high tech areas like smart phones, tablets, and ereaders, are rare metals like tantalum, which are often mined from some of the world's most troubled areas. The money from these metals often makes its way to the arms industry, to arming groups that cause misery in the countries where they are produced. Emma's particular focus is on Congo. This excellent video explains why this issue is important.



So, what does this have to do with us? Well, to start, as advocates of all things digital we ought to make it our job to know. And we should also make it our job to encourage readers to use technology that doesn't rely on conflict minerals, as well as doing so ourselves. This list, compiled by Raise Hope For Congo, is an excellent starting point. It ranks the leading electronics companies by their efforts to ensure the transparency of their supply chains and the freedom of their products from conflict minerals.

There are other areas of concern with digital publishing, of course, such as truncating access to culture for those on the wrong side of the digital divide. But one thing at a time. Do go along if you possibly can to one of Emma's events. As well as raising awareness of a vital issue, there's always really great poetry.