Ethics in computing short essay

Chapter 3

Asks you to think about ethical aspects of networking technology.

Don’t forget to explain how one or more ethical theories support your opinion.

1. Spam versus “cold calling.”

Why is “cold calling” considered to be an acceptable sales practice, but spamming isn’t?

2. Should we censor the Internet?

What are the benefits and harms of Internet censorship?

3. Should bloggers be responsible?

Should people publishing accusations against others on their blogs or Facebook pages be held responsible if they disseminate false information?

4. Censorship.

Discuss similarities and differences between the Web and each of these other ways that we communicate: the telephone system, physical mail, bookstores, movie theaters, newspapers, broadcast and cable TV. Should governments ignore the Web, or should they regulate it somehow? If governments should regulate the Web, should the regulations be similar to the regulations for one of the aforementioned communication systems, or should they be unique in significant ways?

5. Blogging.

Should bloggers be given the same rights as newspaper, magazine, or television journalists?

6. Children on the web.

Should children be prevented from accessing some Web sites? Who should be responsible for the actions of children surfing the Web?

7. Blocking cell service.

In July 2011, activists shut down a SanFrancisco subway station as a way of protesting the death of a drunk man shot by a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer[127]. A month later, the subway system blocked cell phone service at several stations in an effort to prevent another protest. According to Bart officials, protesters had said they “would use mobile devices to coordinate their disruptive activities and communicate about the location and number of BART Police” [128]. The agency said, “A civil disturbance during commute times at busy downtown San Francisco stations could lead to platform overcrowding and unsafe conditions for BART customers, employees and demonstrators” [128]. Was BART justified in blocking cell phone service?