Ethics in the Information Age                      Discussion Project: Privacy Policies

Resolved:  That 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 information cannot be collected without consumers’ permission, and they have the right to review the data and correct inaccuracies.
·  Companies that process data must register their activities with the government.
·  Employers cannot read workers’ private e-mail.
·  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. 
·  Credit reports keep track only of borrowers who have defaulted on a loan, other information about your debts is considered private.
·  Publications can be sued for publishing information about sexual behavior, even if true.

Each group will be assigned to support one side or the other in a debate over the above resolution.  Try to assemble arguments for your assigned position and to anticipate and rebut the likely arguments of your opponents.