Problem:
Is spyware ethical? Why or why not?
The notion of what constitutes spyware is still a bit unsure. No one quite agrees on a definition, but generally speaking, spyware is software (or, less frequently, hardware) installed on a computer without the target user's knowledge and meant to monitor the user's conduct. Most of the time, in domestic practice, the target is e-mail and chat room activities, but spyware can record everything the user does on the computer, including financial record keeping, the preparation in a word-processing program of letters to counsel, or the updating of business records.
Some spyware programs will hijack your web browser, reset your home page, add toolbars, alter search results, or send pop-up ads that cannot be closed. Recently, many programs come with a re-installerâ?"as soon as you attempt to remove the software, it reloads itself...