The history of TÜV Rheinland began in Germany 150 years ago when steam boilers first used to generate electricity exploded, causing many lost lives and enormous property damage. As the onset of industrialization introduced technologies that posed new potential dangers, the company's original mission was to eliminate or minimize risks arising from the use of new technical equipment. We still fulfill this mission, especially when new technologies are used to which, frequently, no standards or technical rules yet apply.
In principle, technology is not dangerous in itself. A car in a garage does not pose a safety hazard; it can only become dangerous once a human takes over the driver's seat. The more people are trained and taught how to handle technology, the less likely using technology will pose risks.
On the other hand, the global internet and low-cost use of microchips have disrupted technology that was previously deemed safe. If electronically controlled machinery shares incorrect information or are either coincidentally or deliberately manipulated, an otherwise safe technology can become dangerous.