Ethical Issues Around Data Collection
Understand the ethical concerns related to data collection and computer use, focusing on personal privacy and security. Learn why programmers must seek user permission and inform users of any data breaches to protect privacy. Discover real-world examples like location tracking and its impacts.
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Tea-table talk
📌 Note: This section won’t be evaluated in an official AP CS A exam.
A person’s legal and uninterrupted enjoyment of their life, their body, their health, and their reputation is called personal security. Computer use and the creation of programs have an impact on personal security. These impacts can be beneficial and/or harmful. When using a computer, personal privacy is at risk. Programmers should attempt to safeguard personal privacy.
As users, we have no idea how much personal data we are giving away. Legally and ethically, programmers/coders must ask the users for permission to access and store their data, and if the data is stolen, the affected users must be informed.
Take the example of Google maps. It’s very useful for maps and driving directions. However, there are impacts on our personal privacy and security when our location is tracked. This information could be beneficial, e.g., if we are lost and need to be found, but it could also be harmful if an unauthorized party gains access to our location.