HWcase3 Q1

[jaylonbohanon]

 

The source of my case is: https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/more-focus-areas/engineering-ethics/engineering-ethics-cases/a-violation-of-privacy/

Eight important facts are:

1. A computer engineer is asked to divulge private medical data for marketing purposes.

2. Marcus is a computer engineer who has recently developed an app that helps users keep track of medical information, doctor’s appointments, and prescriptions.

3. Information about the user is stored in this app, including what prescriptions they are taking and how frequently they schedule doctor’s appointments.

4. The marketing department requests Marcus supply them with customer-specific information so they can better target ads and app suggestions to the users.

5. Marcus understands that he is part of a company, but also feels that the privacy of the app users should be protected.

6. Marcus feels that as an engineer, he should be responsible to those who use his technology.

7. Company employees can access personal information from users.

8. Mark is in conflict with supplying his medical records.

 

Questions to ask about the case are:

1. How does Marcus determine how much of the user's information should be shared with marketing?

2. Is this an ethical use of information or a violation of the user's privacy?

3. Could the case study violate HIPPA or any other privacy law?

4. As an employee, is it okay for employers to ask you to reveal personal information?

Discussion Question related to computer security:

If the user information is shared with the company, would they be responsible for their privacy?