Situation 1.
Some of the Internet's biggest companies (i.e. Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, IBM, and Verisign) implemented a "single sign-on" system that is now available at more than 50,000 Web sites. As corporate members of the OpenID Foundation, they developed a system that is supposed to make it easier for users to sign on to a number of sites without having to remeber multiple user IDs, passwords, and registration information. Theoretically, users also have a consistent identity across the Web. Under OpenID, the companies share the sign-on information for any Web user who agrees to participate. They also share personal information such as credit card data, billing addresses, and personal preferences.
Discussion Questions
1. Discuss any threats to privacy in this situation.
2. Who would own the data? Explain.
3. Who do you think should have access to the data? How should that access be controlled?
Situation 2
Spokeois a company that gathers online data for employers, the public or anybody who is willing to pay for their services. Clients include recruiters and women who want to find out if their boyfriends are cheating on them. Spokeo recruits via ads that urge "HR-Recruiters-Click Here Now."
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think it would be ethical for a business to hire Spokeo to find out about potential employees? If so, under what conditions would it be appropriate? If not, why not?
2. Do you think it is ethical for women to hire Spokeo to see if their boyfriends ae cheating on them? Why or why not?