As Described In The First Article Of This Unit Many Tech Com

As Described In The First Article Of This Unit Many Tech Companies Ar

As described in the first article of this unit, many tech companies are facing ethical dilemmas. The prompt asks to select a recent event involving a tech company's ethical challenge and analyze the internal and external pressures faced by the company. Additionally, the assignment references this week's article on FCC rulings; it asks whether you agree with the author's viewpoint and if you feel protected online. It also prompts discussion on the role of government agencies like the FCC, the ethical use of technology by all companies, workplace monitoring tools, and opinions on corporate surveillance, especially in the context of increased monitoring during the pandemic.

Paper For Above instruction

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, ethical dilemmas faced by tech companies are becoming increasingly prevalent. A recent notable example involves Facebook's handling of user data and its role in spreading misinformation, particularly during the 2020 US presidential election. This incident exemplifies complex internal and external pressures that confront tech companies in balancing profit motives, user privacy, and societal responsibility.

Internally, Facebook faced pressure to maximize user engagement and advertising revenue, which sometimes conflicted with ethical considerations regarding data privacy and content moderation. The company's algorithms prioritized sensational content to retain user attention, often amplifying misinformation and divisive content. This economic incentive created a dilemma: enhance profitability or prioritize ethical concerns such as truthful information dissemination and user privacy protection. Internally, corporate culture and leadership decisions influence how these issues are addressed, with some critics arguing that profit motives often overshadow ethical considerations.

Externally, Facebook was subjected to regulatory scrutiny from government agencies, civil society organizations, and the public. Policymakers and regulators worldwide, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the European Commission, increased pressure for stricter data privacy laws and transparency in content moderation. External pressure arose from public outrage over privacy breaches and misinformation, compelling Facebook to implement changes, such as increased content moderation and transparency reports. These external forces highlight the societal expectations placed on tech firms to operate ethically and responsibly.

Regarding the FCC’s rulings, the author of this week's article contends that regulatory agencies should play an active role in safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fair competition. I agree with the author’s viewpoint that government oversight is crucial in maintaining ethical standards in technology use, particularly concerning privacy and anti-trust issues. The FCC’s recent rulings have aimed to uphold net neutrality and protect consumers from unfair practices by Internet Service Providers. Effective regulation can serve as a check on corporate power, ensuring that technological advancements benefit society broadly rather than privileging corporate profits at the expense of consumers.

Online protection is an area of ongoing concern. While some verify they are protected by strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and security software, many remain vulnerable to cyberattacks, scams, or data leaks. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats underscores the need for both individual vigilance and robust regulatory frameworks to enhance online safety. Governments and regulatory agencies have a role to play by crafting policies that enforce data protection, promote transparency, and prevent abuse of digital platforms.

Furthermore, as technology becomes deeply embedded in workplaces, monitoring employee productivity has become commonplace. During the pandemic, organizations expanded the use of digital surveillance tools—such as screen monitoring, keystroke logging, and location tracking—to manage remote teams. While these tools can improve productivity and accountability, they also raise ethical concerns about privacy and employee autonomy. In my workplace, I am aware that some employers utilize such monitoring tools, which can feel intrusive if not balanced with transparency and consent.

Corporate surveillance, especially when extensive or opaque, can undermine trust between employees and employers. It can foster a culture of suspicion or hostility, potentially impacting morale and mental health. Conversely, employers argue that monitoring is necessary to prevent misconduct, ensure data security, and optimize operations—especially in a remote work environment. The ethical use of surveillance tools requires clear policies, respect for privacy rights, and open communication about the scope and purpose of monitoring.

The ongoing debate centers on finding a balance between organizational needs and individual rights. Governments and regulatory bodies should set clear boundaries around corporate surveillance, ensuring that practices comply with privacy laws and respect workers’ rights. Enhanced legislation, such as data protection laws modeled after the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), can provide frameworks that safeguard personal information while allowing organizations to monitor appropriate metrics ethically.

In conclusion, ethical challenges faced by tech companies—such as managing misinformation, protecting user privacy, and balancing surveillance—require thoughtful responses from both corporate leaders and regulators. Public awareness and engagement are vital in shaping policies that promote fair, transparent, and humane technological practices. As technology continues to evolve, continued dialogue, regulation, and ethical vigilance are essential to ensure that technology serves society's best interests.

References

- Cadwalladr, C., & Graham-Harrison, E. (2018). Revealed: 50 million Facebook profiles harvested for Cambridge Analytica in major data breach. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/17/cambridge-analytica-facebook-influence-us-election

- European Data Protection Board. (2020). Guidelines on the rights of data subjects. https://edpb.europa.eu/our-work/publications/guidelines/guidelines-2018

- Federal Trade Commission. (2019). FTC v. Facebook: Complaint for Civil Penalties and Injunctive Relief. https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/1923131/complaint

- Greenleaf, G. (2018). Global Data Privacy Laws 2017: 120 National Data Privacy Laws, Including Indonesia and Turkey. Privacy Laws & Business International Report, 154, 10-13.

- Kshetri, N. (2017). 1 Blockchain's roles in meeting key supply chain management objectives. International Journal of Information Management, 39, 80-89.

- Lebowitz, S. (2020). The impact of remote work on employee surveillance. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/09/the-impact-of-remote-work-on-employee-surveillance

- Lucchi, A. M. (2020). Ethics of Workplace Surveillance. Journal of Business Ethics, 167(3), 429-442.

- Nissenbaum, H. (2004). Privacy as contextual integrity. Washington Law Review, 79, 119-157.

- Solove, D. J. (2021). Understanding Privacy. Harvard University Press.

- Zuboff, S. (2019). The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power. PublicAffairs.