Unit 5: Impacts Of Digital Technology

Question 1

Give some suggestions as to why Social Networks removing users that go against their policies is ethical

Answer 1

The companies are private so should be able to decide who uses their service.
Removing certain users can make the environment safer or more pleasant for other users.
Anti-social people can be removed from public spaces in real life - e.g. with ASBOs

Question 2

Give some suggestions as to why Social Networks removing users that go against their policies is unethical

Answer 2

A few people can control the views of billions of others.
With very few social media channels, removal from just a few denies people any ability to participate in social media.
It denies freedom of speech

Question 3

What are some impacts of e-waste on
the environment?

Answer 3

Very harmful to humans and the environment if not processed correctly.
Lithium batteries can catch fire and may be hard to recover.
If components cost too much to recover they go to landfill.
Mining materials damages the environment

Question 4

What are some ways that the impacts of e-waste could be reduced?

Answer 4

Make devices that can be fixed with modular components.
Use removable batteries.
Use modern recycling facilities.

Question 5

BIG QUESTION
Jenny works in Human Resources for Bell & Smith.
She arrived at work this morning at 9 am.
How is it possible for her to break three laws before 9:15 am using only her computer?

Answer 5

Logging onto her computer with a colleague’s username and password without their permission –
Computer Misuse Act (1990)

Copying an image from the web for a company brochure without paying for the required licence – Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988)

Emailing another company the names and contact details of all employees at her company without their permission – Data Protection Act (2018)