Congratulations! Given your education in homeland security, you have been newly hired to work within the DHS Science and Technology Directorate. Your first assignment, intended to leverage your exceptional research and writing skills, is to gather information about ethical considerations for the use of technology to meet selected homeland security objectives.
Although DHS has assigned this project to you with a specific focus on immigration, search and seizure applications, and the general approach to leveraging technological advancements, in crafting your "white paper," as you provide both descriptions and analysis, you may also consider some of the following factors .
Assignment Guidelines
Address the following in 10-12 pages:
- What general approach should DHS and FEMA take for retaining ethical considerations in mind as they discover, select, and develop new technologies? Explain.
- Consider if there are any types, categories, or forms of technology these agencies should avoid-explain what and why.
- What "environmental" factors should DHS and FEMA stay aware of as they select or employ technologies, e.g., political, economic, social, cultural, or legal? Explain.
- Identify some of the ways conflict may arise between some or all of these factors and ethical matters.
- Be prepared to advise your bosses on when and how any of these factors might and/or should trump ethical issues.
- How much transparency should DHS and FEMA provide in letting the public know about current or prospective technologies? Explain.
- Consider the ethics of using technology without public knowledge or consent.