Question

Based on his views mentioned in the passage, one could best characterise Dr. Watrall as being: 

• A. dismissive of laypeople’s access to specialist images of archaeological and cultural sites.
• B. opposed to the use of digital technology in archaeological and cultural sites in developing countries.
• C. uneasy about the marketing of archaeological images for commercial use by firms such as Google and CyArk.
• D. critical about the links between a non-profit and a commercial tech platform for distributing archaeological images.
• A. countries where the scanned sites are located do not own the scan copyrights.
• B. CyArk and Google have not shared the details of digitisation with the host countries.
• C. the scanning process can damage delicate frescos and statues at the sites.
• D. CyArk and Google have been scanning images without copyright permission from host countries.
• A. CyArk uploads its scanned images of archaeological sites onto museum websites only.
• B. There is a ban on CyArk scanning archeological sites located in other countries.
• C. CyArk does not own the copyright on scanned images of archaeological sites.
• D. Google takes down advertisements on its website hosting CyArk’s scanned images.
• A. the illegal downloading of content from the internet.
• B. the seizing of ancient Egyptian artefacts by a Western museum.
• C. tourists uploading photos of monuments onto social media.
• D. digital platforms capturing users’ data for market research.
• A. It provides images free of cost to all users.
• B. It helps preserve precious images in case the sites are damaged or destroyed.
• C. It allows a large corporation to project itself as a protector of culture.
• D. It enables people who cannot physically visit these sites to experience them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Dr. Watrall's characterization can best be deduced by examining his viewpoint in the context of the provided passage. The passage discusses Google's efforts to preserve archaeological sites by making them accessible through 3D images. However, there is criticism about the commercial relationships and motivations behind these actions.

Dr. Watrall, an archaeologist, expresses discomfort with the collaboration between CyArk, a nonprofit, and Google, which is a commercial entity. He suggests that Google's true motive is to drive traffic and promote its brand under the guise of cultural preservation, rather than purely for educational or scholarly purposes. He argues that these images would be more appropriately housed on a museum or educational institution's site, reflecting a mission focused on scholarship. This highlights his critical view of how commercial interests intersect with non-profit endeavors in distributing archaeological images.

Therefore, based on the passage, Dr. Watrall is best characterized as being:

• critical about the links between a non-profit and a commercial tech platform for distributing archaeological images.

Answer 2

The correct answer to the question about the "digital colonialism" critique of the CyArk–Google project is: "countries where the scanned sites are located do not own the scan copyrights." The comprehension passage outlines several crucial aspects of this critique:

1. Background Context: Google, in collaboration with CyArk, is using 3D scanning technology to digitally preserve archaeological sites, making them available on Google's Arts & Culture site. This is positioned as a preservation effort amidst threats like war, natural disasters, and climate change. 

2. Access and Control: Critics raise concerns about who controls the digital copyrights of these scanned cultural sites. Despite being located in other countries, the 3D scan copyrights are owned by CyArk, not the host countries.

3. Criticism Details: As highlighted by critics like Erin Thompson, this arrangement is seen as a form of Western appropriation of foreign cultural heritage—a centuries-old issue. The concern is that ownership of digital representations is not with the local authorities, which implies the need for permission from CyArk for commercial use by the host countries.

4. Commercial Interests: Ethan Watrall argues that even though Google claims not to profit from this venture directly, the underlying motivation may still be commercial, intending to increase site traffic and visibility for Google's broader business interests.

5. Recommendations: Critics suggest that digital copyrights should belong to the host countries, ensuring cultural heritage control remains with the originating culture and community.

Answer 3

To identify which statement would most strongly invalidate Dr. Watrall’s objections, we need to understand the core of his argument. Dr. Watrall's primary concern is that the partnership between CyArk and Google serves Google's interests by driving advertisement traffic rather than benefiting educational or scholarly purposes. He suggests that the digital images belong on museum or educational institution platforms that prioritize scholarship. Thus, any evidence that counters this idea could invalidate his objection. Analyzing the provided options: 

• CyArk uploads its scanned images of archaeological sites onto museum websites only: This directly addresses Watrall's concern. If the images are hosted on museum websites, which are educational institutions, it aligns with his preference for scholarly use, thereby invalidating his objection.
• There is a ban on CyArk scanning archaeological sites located in other countries: This doesn't address Watrall's concerns about the hosting platform and educational context.
• CyArk does not own the copyright on scanned images of archaeological sites: This relates to copyright ownership but not directly to the objection about fostering scholarship versus commercialism.
• Google takes down advertisements on its website hosting CyArk’s scanned images: While this reduces commercial intent, it doesn't address the placement of images on an educational platform, which is Watrall's key issue.

Therefore, the strongest counter to Dr. Watrall’s objections is: CyArk uploads its scanned images of archaeological sites onto museum websites only.

Answer 4

Dr. Thompson’s comparison of CyArk owning the copyright of its digital scans to "the seizing of ancient Egyptian artefacts by a Western museum" is rooted in the concept of cultural appropriation. The argument is that similar to how Western museums have often seized and exhibited foreign cultural artefacts, the ownership of digital scans by a non-local entity is seen as a continuation of this practice.
Here's the explanation: 
1. Contextual Background: The passage highlights how the digitization of archaeological sites raises questions about digital ownership and cultural representation. Critics express concerns that these digital endeavours, while preserving culture, might also represent a form of "digital colonialism."
2. Critical Perspective: Critics believe that these digital scans should belong to the cultural nations rather than external organizations like CyArk, as this echoes historical patterns where foreign cultures were controlled by Western powers.
3. Dr. Thompson’s Stance: Dr. Thompson sees this as an extension of a "centuries-long battle" of Western appropriation of foreign cultures. She supports the perspective that these cultural digitizations should be owned by the originating countries.
4. Comparative Analysis: The seizing of ancient Egyptian artefacts; similar to CyArk's digital copyrights, reflects the perceived imbalance of cultural authority and ownership, reinforcing Dr. Thompson's view.
Thus, the correct analogy, as per Dr. Thompson's view, equates CyArk's digital retention of cultural scans to the historic practice of Western museums acquiring cultural artefacts.

Answer 5

In light of the provided comprehension passage, several arguments are put forward both in favor of and against the digital scanning of cultural sites. The passage discusses Google's efforts to make the world's heritage available online, alongside criticism against the corporation's motives and actions.

Firstly, let's analyze the arguments that are commonly used to justify the scanning of cultural sites:

1. Preservation Argument: It is stated that scanning helps preserve the images of cultural sites in case they are damaged or destroyed, which is a strong justification for the practice.
2. Accessibility Argument: Allowing worldwide access to these images is cited as an advantage, particularly for individuals who cannot physically visit the locations.
3. Cost-Free Access Argument: The digital content is available at no cost, which promotes educational and cultural enrichment among a global audience.

However, among the options provided, the argument that a company uses scanning to project itself as a protector of culture is not a genuine benefit that aligns with the aims of preserving and democratizing access to cultural sites. This argument refers to corporate interests more than the preservation or educational goals.

Therefore, the argument: "It allows a large corporation to project itself as a protector of culture." is the one least likely to be promoted as a legitimate reason for digital scanning by the companies involved, as it primarily benefits their image rather than contributing to cultural preservation or education.