Transcript Privacy Scenarios - University of Alabama

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.
a) Abigail and Lucas argue that they have a “right to be let alone.” Why or
why not would the camera violate their privacy?
b) 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.
i.
Seclusion
ii. Secrecy or Concealment
iii. Freedom from Interference
c) 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.
a) Should such a service be illegal to protect
privacy? Why?
b) 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.
a) What arguments might the city government give in
support of this action? What arguments might
privacy advocates give against it?
b) Do you think this application of computer matching
should be permitted or prohibited? Give reasons.