2025 IB DP Digital society Practice Paper with Answers

The automated system relies on different types of sensors to gather real-time data about the plants' environment. Two such technologies include: 1. Soil moisture sensors, which measure the volumetric water content in the soil to determine if irrigation is required. 2. Temperature and humidity sensors, which monitor the ambient climate within the greenhouse to regulate ventilation and heating systems.

Award 1 mark for each appropriate sensor technology identified, up to a maximum of 2 marks. Expected answers include: Soil moisture sensors, Temperature sensors, Humidity sensors or hygrometers, Light intensity sensors or photodetectors, Carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors, pH sensors. Do not accept actuators such as water pumps or sprinklers, or general non-sensing components like Wi-Fi routers.

The automated system relies on different types of sensors to gather real-time data about the plants' environment. Two such technologies include: 1. Soil moisture sensors, which measure the volumetric water content in the soil to determine if irrigation is required. 2. Temperature and humidity sensors, which monitor the ambient climate within the greenhouse to regulate ventilation and heating systems.

Award 1 mark for each appropriate sensor technology identified, up to a maximum of 2 marks. Expected answers include: Soil moisture sensors, Temperature sensors, Humidity sensors or hygrometers, Light intensity sensors or photodetectors, Carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors, pH sensors. Do not accept actuators such as water pumps or sprinklers, or general non-sensing components like Wi-Fi routers.

A municipal government might implement this system to reduce unexpected service disruptions and improve system reliability. By analyzing real-time sensor data from trains, the AI can flag components that are nearing failure, allowing maintenance crews to address issues during scheduled downtime rather than causing unplanned delays for commuters.

Award [1] for suggesting a valid reason (e.g., reduced maintenance costs, improved passenger safety, increased operational efficiency, minimized unplanned downtime). Award [1] for an explanation that links the reason to a direct benefit or impact in the context of public transit.

Transitioning exclusively to cashless ticketing can lead to social exclusion for marginalized groups such as the elderly or low-income residents. These individuals are less likely to own smartphones or have active bank accounts, effectively preventing them from using public transportation and restricting their overall mobility.

Award [1] for suggesting a valid social impact (e.g., exclusion of elderly or low-income citizens, increased socioeconomic inequality, reduced mobility for unbanked individuals). Award [1] for explaining how the transition to mobile-only cashless ticketing causes this impact or its consequences for the affected population.

### Similarities (Compare):
1. **Digital Footprint and Surveillance**: Both systems generate data trails of commuter movements. Whether tapping an NFC card or passing a facial scanner, a digital record of the user's location and time is created, raising concerns about persistent monitoring and surveillance.
2. **Vulnerability to System Outages**: Both systems depend on continuous network connectivity and database uptime. A central server outage or cyberattack would disrupt transit access for commuters under both methods, showing a shared vulnerability to infrastructure failures.

### Differences (Contrast):
1. **Data Sensitivity and Permanence (Privacy)**: Facial recognition relies on biometric templates which are unique, permanent, and cannot be changed if a database is breached. NFC smart cards utilize tokenized identifiers or simple account numbers which can be easily deactivated, rotated, and replaced if compromised.
2. **Equity and the Digital Divide**: Physical NFC cards are highly inclusive; they can be purchased with cash and used by individuals without bank accounts, smartphones, or stable legal identities. Biometric systems may suffer from algorithmic bias (e.g., higher misidentification rates for women and people of color) and exclude those whose physical features are not easily read by scanners.
3. **Consent and Opt-Out Agency**: NFC cards offer high user autonomy, as users can choose when to tap and can purchase anonymous cards. Biometric cameras in public transit hubs capture faces passively, making it nearly impossible for commuters to opt-out of scanning while using public spaces.

**[1–2 marks]**:
- The response is largely descriptive, explaining how one or both systems work without clear comparison.
- Limited or superficial focus on social/ethical implications.

**[3–4 marks]**:
- The response provides at least one similarity and one difference between the two systems.
- Explores social or ethical implications, but may lack depth, balanced analysis, or precise Digital Society terminology.

**[5–6 marks]**:
- The response offers a balanced comparison and contrast, detailing at least two similarities and two differences.
- Effectively evaluates social and ethical concepts (e.g., surveillance, data privacy, equity, systemic bias, user autonomy).
- Uses clear, structured arguments and precise terminology directly applied to the transit context.

### Similarities (Compare):
1. **Digital Footprint and Surveillance**: Both systems generate data trails of commuter movements. Whether tapping an NFC card or passing a facial scanner, a digital record of the user's location and time is created, raising concerns about persistent monitoring and surveillance.
2. **Vulnerability to System Outages**: Both systems depend on continuous network connectivity and database uptime. A central server outage or cyberattack would disrupt transit access for commuters under both methods, showing a shared vulnerability to infrastructure failures.

### Differences (Contrast):
1. **Data Sensitivity and Permanence (Privacy)**: Facial recognition relies on biometric templates which are unique, permanent, and cannot be changed if a database is breached. NFC smart cards utilize tokenized identifiers or simple account numbers which can be easily deactivated, rotated, and replaced if compromised.
2. **Equity and the Digital Divide**: Physical NFC cards are highly inclusive; they can be purchased with cash and used by individuals without bank accounts, smartphones, or stable legal identities. Biometric systems may suffer from algorithmic bias (e.g., higher misidentification rates for women and people of color) and exclude those whose physical features are not easily read by scanners.
3. **Consent and Opt-Out Agency**: NFC cards offer high user autonomy, as users can choose when to tap and can purchase anonymous cards. Biometric cameras in public transit hubs capture faces passively, making it nearly impossible for commuters to opt-out of scanning while using public spaces.

**[1–2 marks]**:
- The response is largely descriptive, explaining how one or both systems work without clear comparison.
- Limited or superficial focus on social/ethical implications.

**[3–4 marks]**:
- The response provides at least one similarity and one difference between the two systems.
- Explores social or ethical implications, but may lack depth, balanced analysis, or precise Digital Society terminology.

**[5–6 marks]**:
- The response offers a balanced comparison and contrast, detailing at least two similarities and two differences.
- Effectively evaluates social and ethical concepts (e.g., surveillance, data privacy, equity, systemic bias, user autonomy).
- Uses clear, structured arguments and precise terminology directly applied to the transit context.

The transition to a centralized, AI-driven health database like MediCloud introduces profound change and tests fundamental human values. For citizens, the technological change offers proactive, personalized treatment through predictive diagnostics. However, it compromises the core value of privacy, as centralized databases are high-value targets for cyberattacks, and citizens lose direct control over their sensitive medical histories. Furthermore, biased algorithms can perpetuate health inequities among marginalized communities. For healthcare professionals, the change redefines clinical workflows, introducing algorithmic decision-support. While this may reduce human error, it risks diminishing professional autonomy and creates ethical dilemmas regarding accountability when an AI recommendation results in patient harm. Ultimately, the successful deployment of MediCloud depends on balancing technological efficiency against the values of equity, consent, and professional trust.

Markbands: [1-3 Marks]: The response is largely descriptive with a superficial understanding of centralized databases or AI. Minimal reference is made to the concepts of change or values. [4-6 Marks]: The response describes some social or ethical implications, but lacks balance or focus on either citizens or healthcare professionals. Concepts are mentioned but not well integrated. [7-9 Marks]: A balanced and structured discussion that clearly analyzes implications for both citizens and professionals. The concepts of change and values are explicitly linked to the discussion. [10-12 Marks]: An insightful, well-evaluated discussion showcasing deep critical thinking. The trade-offs of the technology are thoroughly examined, integrating change and values seamlessly, supported by precise terminology.