Privacy Scenarios Set 1 Class Work

1. Webcam The city set up a 24 hour a day webcam on an island on the Atlantic coast, aimed at a ferry dock local people and tourists use. People could visit his website to check on weather conditions to find out if the ferry is likely to be canceled. Abigail and Lucas complained that the webcam violated their privacy. Suppose you are asked to help settle the dispute. Abigail and Lucas argue that they have a “right to be let alone.” Why or why not would the camera violate their privacy? The following list contains definitions or synonyms of privacy. Should the city try to protect these aspects of privacy? Answer yes or no for each of these, AND state your reason. Seclusion Secrecy or Concealment Freedom from Interference What could you do to help appease citizens concerned about their privacy?

2. Database People who fled Hurricane Katrina left behind and lost important documents and records such as birth certificates, credit cards, property records, and employment records. A US government agency proposed a new database where people could voluntarily store essential personal records in case of similar natural disasters. Discuss the pros and cons of this proposal.

3. Shoplifters A business maintains a database containing the names of shoplifters. It distributes the list to stores that subscribe. Should such a service be illegal to protect privacy? Why? Would your answer be different if the question were about a database of tenant history available to landlords or a database available to the public with comments from tenants about landlords? How/why?

4. Tax A city government wants to track down people who run small businesses and do not pay the $125 city business license fee. The city hired a private detective to obtain IRS records of city residents and determine who has reported small business income but not paid the license. What arguments might the city government give in support of this action? What arguments might privacy advocates give against it? Do you think this application of computer matching should be permitted or prohibited? Give reasons.