Databases Evolve to Mirror Changing Societal Norms and Laws
Databases worldwide are evolving to keep pace with societal changes, as demonstrated by recent updates to reflect evolving norms and laws. These changes highlight the reciprocal relationship between databases and society.
Data validation, the process of ensuring input data adheres to certain rules, is crucial in adapting databases to changing assumptions. The Y2K problem, a classic example, showed the impact of changing assumptions when the year 2000 approached. Similarly, the U.S. Census Bureau has updated racial and ethnic categories to mirror evolving societal norms.
Lawrence Lessig's maxim 'code is law' underscores how the design of computer systems shapes society. Conversely, 'law is code' illustrates how laws influence the design of these systems. For instance, businesses and government agencies must update their systems to reflect changes in laws regarding same-sex marriage, a process highlighted by the 'Y2Gay' problem. Annual updates to IRS software due to last-minute tax code changes also reflect this dynamic. Even military policy shifts, such as those regarding women in combat, may require updates to systems like the Selective Service System's online registration form.
Countries like Germany have introduced a third gender category in their databases to recognize intersex individuals, demonstrating the need to adapt databases when assumptions no longer hold true.
As societal norms and laws evolve, databases must evolve to reflect these changes. This ongoing process, from data validation to system updates, ensures that databases remain relevant and accurate, mirroring the societies they serve.
