Task

Length: The maximum number of words set for this assignment is 600 words per answer.

Instructions

Answer the following questions. All questions carry equal weight (5% of all assessments in this subject).

1. Consider the following scenario:

Google Inc., perhaps the most well-known search engine company in the world, also owns and/or operates several subsidiary services and Web-based applications. These include, Gmail, Google Maps, Google+, Google Calendar, Google Chrome, Picasa, AdSense/Adwords, and so forth. In the past, each had its own privacy policy. In 2012, however, Google replaced the individual policies with one comprehensive privacy policy across all of its services. When it implemented this change, Google also announced that the company would share user account data across all its services. Critics note that a user's search engine history could be shared with YouTube, or vice versa, and that a user's Google+ account data might be shared with Adwords to generate more targeted advertising.

Source: Tavani, H. T. (2014). Ethics and Technology: Controversies, Questions, and Strategies for Ethical Computing (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons Publishers., pp.166

Analyse the above case using the philosophical ethics perspective.

2. Although Kant's version of deontology has at least one significant flaw, some philosophers believe that a deontological account of morality is nonetheless the correct kind of ethical theory. (Tavani, 2014)

Critique the concept of Act Deontology using suitable examples.

3. Explain some virtues and shortcomings of the Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics.

4. The term "Dataveillance" was coined by Roger Clarke in the eighties (http://www.rogerclarke.com/DV/ ). Explain the ethical implications of "Dataveillance" in a modern day context using suitable examples.

Referencing

All sources of information must be appropriately referenced using the APA style ( http://student.csu.edu.au/library/integrity/referencing-at-csu ).

Rationale

This assignment is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of some of the key concepts and issues related to ICT ethics as covered in this subject.

This assignment relates to the following subject learning outcomes:

- be able to discuss various philosophical theories of ethics and how these relate to the ethical and legal issues raised by current practices involving ICT;

- be able to apply ethical theories and concepts to analyse ICT related ethical dilemmas;

- be able to discuss professionalism and professional responsibility in the context of the ICT profession;

- be able to critically analyse and apply the various concepts of professional ethics;

- be able to critique ethical issues related to privacy.