Ethics in the Information Age                      Discussion Project: Privacy Policies

Discuss whether or not the US should adopt privacy policies similar to those implemented by European countries, where privacy is considered to be a right that trumps most commercial and ‘free speech’ concerns.  For example:

• Personal data -- any information that relates to an individual who can be directly or indirectly identified -- cannot be collected or shared without the 'data subject's' permission.
• To claim that permission has been granted:
  • Consent must be “freely given, specific, informed and unambiguous.”
  • Requests for consent must be “clearly distinguishable from the other matters” and presented in “clear and plain language.”
  • Data subjects can withdraw previously given consent whenever they want, and you have to honor their decision.
  • Children under 13 can only give consent with permission from their parent.
  • You need to keep documentary evidence of consent.
• Consumers/users have the right to review the data and correct inaccuracies.
• Companies that collect and process data must register their activities with the government.
• Personal information cannot be shared by companies or across borders without express permission from the data subject.
• Checkout clerks cannot ask for shoppers’ phone numbers or other personally identifying information.
• Employers cannot read workers’ private e-mail, even when sent using the employer's equipment and systems..
• Credit reports keep track only of borrowers who have defaulted on a loan, other information about your debts and how you have paid them is considered private.
• Publications can be sued for publishing information about people's sexual behavior, even if true.

  Try to:

1) assemble arguments for each side of this question and

2) think of possible answers to those arguments

Then:

3. Decide which side of this question has the strongest reasons in its favor.