Chapter 2: Part 2

Name Chris Wyant
Class time: 12PM
KEEP THIS TO 1-3 – PAGES LONG (EXCLUDING REFERENCE PAGE)

Author: Sara Baase
Date of Publication: 2008
Book: A Gift of Fire
Sections read: 2.3-3

1. (Knowledge)Tell three interesting elements of this chapter:
a. Pretexting is the process of gathering information
by pretending to be someone else that would have a justified right to that
information. Most pretexters pretend to be the person they are trying to obtain
the information about.
b. A new national ID system has been proposed
several times in the last few years.
c. Until the late 19th-century there
was no recognition of an independent right to privacy. The crucial article “The
Right to Privacy” by Samuel Warren and Louis Brandeis sparked the revolution
for change of privacy rights.

2. (Comprehension) Summarize what is being discussed within this chapter?
It is true with the growth of technology; there has been an increase in privacy violations. Generally though, society gives away much of the information without even realizing it. As technology has changed, so has a need for restrictions and limitations on what websites and companies can do with information obtained through technology. Sometimes the information received can be for a good cause such as better search results or more person specific advertisements. Radio
frequency identification tags (RFID tags) can track location of people or objects. The applications of these RFID tags are controversial and can violate the privacy of individuals. Many people, especially younger generations are willing to give our privacy for information on others. A national identification would in a way replace Social Security Numbers (SSN) because since they were invented, SSN have many uses other than just for the Social Security Program. Generally, there is only a violation of privacy when there is also a violation of property. With new sources of communication, new crimes are available, new ways of identity theft, and new regulations are out there as well. An example of this is the National Security Agency which collects and analyzes foreign intelligence information that is related to our national security.

3. (Application)Name a specific example or NEW solution for this type of problem/similar situation in society or that you have experienced – be specific and explain?
I personally once had a couple thousand dollars spent in my name. I had my social security number taken and with that information they were able to make online purchases with credit cards in my name. Before I had even realized what happened, I was in debt and my bank accounts were drained. This was all because of identity fraud due to new technology. It took almost a year to retrieve all of my money back after fighting with lawyers and my bank.

4. (Analysis)Address ANY that apply. How can you compare one of the situations in this chapter to something that does not relate to computers, technology, or the Internet? Be sure to reference the chapter and your solution. What ideas NEW can you add to the issue that is being presented within the reading? Try to connect what you have by reading this article and how it applies to the stages in Bloom's taxonomy in
2 full sentences.
Based off the reading, the impacts of how we communicate and technology have made significant impacts on society. These impacts however, are both positive and negative. We generally give up our privacy and rights for information on others or, because of a general disregard for our on privacy. Unfortunately, we the advances in technology, we sometimes have no choice but to give up some information. The new national ID system could help regulate some uses of private information, but could also be used in situations such as the Nazis in Germany. Our privacy always has and always will come at a cost.

5. (Synthesis)Address all that apply. Do you agree with what is being said within the article (Why/Why not? Back up with FACTS)? What new conclusions can you draw about this (or other topics) after reading this material?
I do agree with what is being said because with the advances of technology, new laws and crimes have become possible. Being a younger adult myself and owning a Facebook, I agree that people tend to disregard the need to keep things private. We as a society are way to open with our private information, especially on social networking websites like Facebook. Often society gives out public information without even realizing it. These websites collect our data without our knowledge without any problems from the government.


6. (Evaluation) Address all that apply. Judge whether or not this topic is relevant in today’s society? Evaluate why you are viewing the topic in this manner based on your experiences. What ethical evaluations (see Chap1-1.4 for exp of Ethics) or decisions were made/can be assumed from this chapter? What new ideas will you make after reading this chapter?
I especially agree that this topic is relevant in today’s society. This is very specific to my generation because of the popularity of Facebook in teenagers and young adults. The question of ethics comes into play with this topic because, is it really ethical to give away this much private information? Is it ethical for companies and businesses to take all of this information without the knowledge of the people? I think it is wrong for us to willingly give away as much information as we do.


References

Baase, Sara. A Gift Of Fire, Social, Legal, And Ethical Issues For Computing And The Internet. 3rd. Upper Saddle River NJ: Prentice Hall, 2008.