Consider the decision to create a free application designed to harvest individua
ID: 2247332 • Letter: C
Question
Consider the decision to create a free application designed to harvest individual data. a. Is this decision ethical according to the categorical imperative? b. Is this decision ethical according to the utilitarian perspective? c. How would users react if they knew their data was being harvested in exchange for a free app? Suppose Google becomes aware that apps in the Google Play store are harvesting user data unrelated to the function of the application. a. Does it have a legal obligation to find out which apps are harvesting data inappropriately? b. Does it have an ethical obligation to find out which apps are harvesting data inappropriately? c. Does Google provide free apps in exchange for individual data? Why? How hard should Google work at curating apps in Google Play to ensure that appropriate permissions are set? In 2014, Symantec found that 17 percent of all Android apps were malware in disguise. But a report by Google found that less than 1 percent of all Android devices had a potentially harmful application installed. a. Is it ethical for Google to remove applications it considers inappropriate? Consider both the categorical imperative and utilitarian perspectives. b. Is it ethical for Google to limit permissions for certain applications? Consider both the categorical imperative and utilitarian perspectives.Explanation / Answer
1(a)
categorical imperative means if you want something you have to lose something. so the decision is ethical.
1(b)
utilitarian perspective means to maximize the utility or happiness for a large number of people. because of this people become un happy so the decision is not ethical.
1(c)
If users know that data was being harvested in exchange of free app
there will be two cases
i) Optimist will take it easy as he thinks only necessary information is being taken
ii) pessimist will become aggressive since he thinks in a very negative way that all the personal data is being taken by giving a free app
2(a)
Yes, there will be legally obliged to find out which apps are harvesting data inappropriately because initially, we have agreed to Termas and Conditions of app which I am sure no one reads
2(b)
We do not need to be ethically obliged to find out which apps are harvesting data inappropriately.
This completely depends on the conscience of person
2(c)
According to my knowledge, Google is very reputed company and has its own rules and regulations supported by judiciary and law. So it does not provide free apps for exchange of user data if the user data is its sole aim
3
There will always be a team dedicated to curation of apps in play store as Google does not want to lose its reputation or its customers nor its share price
4(a)
Yes, Google has the right and its ethical to remove any apps if it considers inappropriate as it will surely be a rule in terms and conditions.
Whether it is utilitarian perspective or categorical imperative
4(b)
Yes, Google has the right and its ethical to limit permission to any apps if it considers so as it will surely be a rule in terms and conditions.
Whether it is utilitarian perspective or categorical imperative