Ethical issues

Question 1

What is one issue ethically with CCTV within London?

Answer 1

It infringes people’s privacy rights - they do not give permission to be filmed.

Question 2

Name two ways that data collected by major companies is used.

Answer 2

1. The location of your usage and the time stamp is logged
2. The data collected is often sold to other companies.
3. The data could be mined- it could be accessed in order to target you with specific advertisements. For example, Google mines your browsing history.

Question 3

Give 3 examples of content which may be censored.

Answer 3

1. Murder
2. Acts of war
3. Extremist content
4. Pornography
5. Political content

Question 4

What is censorship?

Answer 4

Censorship is where countries specifically block certain content due to ethical or religious beliefs there.

Question 5

Who actually blocks the data in countries where censorship is used?

Answer 5

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

Question 6

Give 3 advantages of using robots in the workforce.

Answer 6

1. Employers do not need to pay wages to robots
2. Working conditions are not an issue as the robots are not conscious
3. The robots can work long shifts without any breaks.
4. The robots are automated and so can rule out human error.
5. The robots will be faster and will generate more profit.

Question 7

Give 2 disadvantages of using robots in the workforce.

Answer 7

1. People will be driven out of jobs and unemployment rates will increase.
2. The robots need to be reliable and they wont be if there is a power cut
3. Robots cannot adapt to dangerous situations whereas a human can

Question 8

Give 3 advantages of using robots in the workforce.

Answer 8

1. Employers do not need to pay wages to robots
2. Working conditions are not an issue as the robots are not conscious
3. The robots can work long shifts without any breaks.
4. The robots are automated and so can rule out human error.
5. The robots will be faster and will generate more profit.
6. No chance of discrimination or bias in certain roles.

Question 9

Give 3 disadvantages of using robots in the workforce.

Answer 9

1. People will be driven out of jobs and unemployment rates will increase.
2. The robots may make errors due to programming issues - it will take time and money to repair them.
3. The robots must be maintained - this could be expensive and require more employees.

Question 10

Why do some people agree with use of CCTV despite the invasion of privacy?

Answer 10

This is because the footage can be used to solve crime and bring people who have done wrong to justice.

Question 11

What is the benefit to the police in tracking phone signals?

Answer 11

The phones of criminals could be tracked so that they are brought to justice. Also, people who have been kidnapped or taken hostage can be found and saved.

Question 12

Give one major benefit of data mining. Refer to a specific example in the Health industry. (LoR style question)

Answer 12

The data of millions of patients have been collected and analysed to gather information to treat diseases like Alzheimer’s. The data allowed scientists to investigate the Genes involved.

Question 13

What are potential advantages of using artificial intelligence in safety systems?

Answer 13

1. The AI is quick to make important decisions - they could use Real time OSs. This could save lives.
2. Bound to make the correct decision due to quick evaluation of data provided. A human could not comprehend all of this data.
3. Cheap and easy to integrate.

Question 14

What is the major potential disadvantages of using artificial intelligence in safety systems?

Answer 14

If the system goes wrong and there is an accident whereby people die, then there is controversy - who is to blame? In an airplane crash where the autopilot system is to blame, then is the pilot, the software, the developer or the airline to blame? - You can argue each one.

Question 15

What are “Ethics”?

Answer 15

Ethics determine what is right and wrong.

Question 16

How has the integration of the internet affected our rights as humans?

Answer 16

We now have little privacy as our every move is being tracked and monitored and all of our data is being sold and mined - this data is collected through the internet,

Question 17

What is “Ethical Hacking”?

Answer 17

Ethical hacking is when someone attempts to break into a system to reflect its flaws - these flaws can then be patched; the hacker has no gain.

Question 18

If Ethical Hacking is done without permission, is this morally correct or wrong?

Answer 18

I think it is wrong as you are breaking the computer misuse act- you are gaining unauthorised access to intellectual material. Therefore, it is still illegal even if your intentions are good.You could also argue that the company which is being hacked is benefiting and that the hacker is showing them a situation where they don’t know they are being hacked. You might also say that if a large company doesn’t hire Ethical Hackers they will have patches which “black hat hackers” (unethical hackers) could abuse.

Question 19

Why would censorship be beneficial?

Answer 19

Because it protects the public from possibly distressing or inappropriate materials. This could be especially needed for children.

Question 20

What is the issue with censorship?

Answer 20

Countries can prevent their citizens from knowing certain things- governments can tailor what they see, thus depriving them of general knowledge.

Question 21

What is an ethical issue with technology production?

Answer 21

The working conditions of workers in places like China are terrible due to the lack of relevant legislation in this area. Hence, this is an ethical issue as it infringes with the employees’ Human rights.

Question 22

What could companies do to reduce the negative ethical effects in their countries?

Answer 22

They could increase the pay of some employees and better the conditions in factories, giving breaks to employees and longer holiday time.