Matt Carrow ACM TechNews 4/4/2012

 The United Kingdom is considering a plan to allow security services to spy on all Britons’ internet activities. Government officials claim this plan is essential to the deterrence of terrorism and other threats. Source: Washington Post (4/2/2012) Anthony Faiola, Ellen Nakashima

1. Describe the ethical issue. Should an individual’s right to privacy be infringed? 2. Identify the stakeholders and tell the outcome they would like to see. Citizens would like to uphold their privacy while still being protected Government wants to offer its protection at the cost of rights 3. Propose 3 solutions. 1. Allow security agencies full discretion at any cost. 2. Uphold individual rights at all costs. 3. Allow security agencies discretion in specific situations. i.e. on specific individuals who are reasonably suspected My choice

4. Would I be willing to allow everyone to use my solution? Yes. There would be no reason not to allow my solution to be used. 5. Is the solution in accord with human nature? 4. Yes. It is human nature to want the best of both worlds, and while that is not always possible, I believe this solution is a worthy compromise. 6. Would there be majority agreement that this solution presents the most efficient means to the end? 4. I believe so. People will of course prefer to leave their rights uninfringed upon, but the only realistic way to achieve the protection they desire is for them to give the government some leeway. 7. Is this the solution I feel most committed to in my own conscience? 4. Yes. 8. Which philosophy do you feel was most influential? 5. Realism. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Snooping Plan Violates  1.2 Avoid harm to others  1.3 Be honest and trustworthy  1.7 Respect the privacy of others  1.8 Honor confidentiality  2.3 Know/respect existing laws Possibly, I’m no expert on UK laws