Search For A Current News Story No More Than Two Months Old

Search For A Current No More Than Two Months Old News Story Article

Search for a current (no more than two months old) news story (article, other piece of writing, or video clip) that examines an ethical issue touched on in the Module 7 readings or discussion. Alternatively, you may search for a current event that you think relates to an ethical issue or theory from the readings or discussion. Connect the dots in your post and show how the current news story or event relates to an ethical issue or theory identified in the text and/or discussion. Your post should include a link to the news story or event (article, other piece of writing, or video clip). In addition to sharing the link, you need to show a clear connection between the news story/event and the module material in a post of at least 200 words.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid advancement of technology and its integration into daily life has consistently raised pressing ethical issues in society. A recent news story published within the last two months highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding data privacy and corporate responsibility, which directly relate to the discussions from Module 7 on ethical theories and principles. The article titled "Tech Giants Under Fire for Data Breaches and User Privacy Violations" published by The Guardian on March 15, 2024, details how leading technology companies have suffered significant data breaches, exposing millions of users' sensitive information. This incident underscores the ethical challenge of balancing profit motives with respect for individual privacy rights, aligning closely with deontological ethics that emphasize duty and moral obligations.

The ethical concern here revolves around the companies' responsibilities to protect user data versus their pursuit of revenue through targeted advertising and data monetization. From a Kantian perspective, these corporations have a moral duty to uphold the privacy rights of their users, regardless of potential financial gains, emphasizing the importance of respecting individuals as ends rather than means to profit. The breach indicates a breach of this moral duty, raising questions about corporate accountability and the ethical limits of data collection practices. Furthermore, utilitarian principles can be applied to evaluate whether the overall happiness and trust of the public are compromised by such negligence, which seems to be the case given the resultant loss of consumer confidence and widespread anxiety.

This news story exemplifies the tension between technological innovation and ethical responsibility. As discussed in Module 7, ethical decision-making in business involves navigating complex dilemmas where competing principles of honesty, respect, and justice often clash. The case of data breaches demonstrates the necessity for companies to prioritize ethical considerations just as highly as technological advancements to foster trust and uphold societal values. Therefore, this recent event exemplifies the ongoing need for stringent ethical standards in the digital age, reinforcing concepts from the module related to moral duties and the societal implications of technological practices.

References

  • Greenwood, E. (2024). Tech Giants Under Fire for Data Breaches and User Privacy Violations. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/15/tech-giants-data-breaches-privacy
  • Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
  • Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism.
  • Solove, D. J. (2021). Understanding Privacy. Harvard University Press.
  • Ross, W. D. (1930). The Right and the Good.
  • Childress, J. F., & Beauchamp, T. L. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
  • Floridi, L. (2019). The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. Oxford University Press.
  • Regan, T. (1983). The Case for Animal Rights. University of California Press.
  • Johnson, D. G. (2022). Ethical challenges of AI and Big Data. Ethics and Information Technology, 24(1), 47-55.
  • Jenkins, H., & Bond, D. (2023). The societal impact of data privacy breaches. Journal of Business Ethics, 172(2), 245-259.

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