Ethical Technology: Is your phone/laptop/gaming system made of conflict metals?

Dear fellow lady-geeks and gamers,

I was alerted to this issue when a friend who posted about how “Video games DO kill people, just not the way you think” on his blog, discussing how some tech companies are actively working to reduce the amount of conflict metals that are being used in their products – and how others are decidedly not.

More importantly, he discusses how the sale of these materials – tungsten, gold, etc. – are the new ‘blood diamonds’ in financing the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the widespread use of rape against women in the area as a war tactic.

Check it out, there’s a handy graph and video, and something cool to talk about over holiday cocktails when someone starts bragging about their new gadget.  (“I got a new LG!” “Well, did you know…”)

Disclaimer: This post was written by a Feministing Community user and does not necessarily reflect the views of any Feministing columnist, editor, or executive director.

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