Here are some practice questions and answers for the WGU D333 Ethics in Technology course,
focusing on ethical scenarios, theoretical perspectives, and case studies:
Question 1: Define and Discuss the Concept of Ethical Technology.
Answer: Ethical technology refers to the responsible development and use of technology that
considers the moral implications and effects on society, individuals, and the environment. It
involves evaluating how technology can uphold ethical standards, such as privacy, security,
equity, and transparency. For instance, when designing software, developers must consider
user data protection and the potential for misuse. Ethical technology encourages practices that
promote positive outcomes while minimizing harm.
Question 2: Analyze a Case Study on Data Privacy Violations.
Question: Discuss a real-world example of a company that faced backlash for data privacy
violations. What were the ethical implications of their actions?
Answer: One notable example is Facebook's Cambridge Analytica scandal, where millions of
users’ data were harvested without consent for political advertising. The ethical implications
include:
● Violation of Privacy: Users were unaware their data was being used for purposes
beyond their original consent, violating their right to privacy.
● Manipulation and Misinformation: The data was used to target users with
personalized ads that could manipulate political views, raising concerns about informed
consent and democratic processes.
● Trust Erosion: The incident led to a significant loss of trust in Facebook and highlighted
the need for stricter data protection regulations.
Question 3: Discuss the Role of AI in Ethical Decision-Making.
Question: How can artificial intelligence (AI) contribute to ethical decision-making in
organizations? Provide examples.
Answer: AI can enhance ethical decision-making by providing data-driven insights that can lead
to more informed choices. For example:
● Predictive Analytics: AI systems can analyze patterns and predict outcomes, helping
organizations to make decisions that align with ethical standards. For instance,
predictive policing tools can be used to allocate resources effectively while addressing
potential biases in law enforcement.
● Bias Detection: AI can help identify and mitigate biases in hiring processes by
analyzing recruitment data and ensuring that diverse candidates are considered fairly.
● Automated Compliance Monitoring: AI can monitor compliance with ethical guidelines
and regulations in real-time, alerting organizations to potential violations before they
escalate.
Question 4: Evaluate the Ethical Implications of Surveillance Technology.
,Question: What are the ethical concerns associated with the use of surveillance technology in
public spaces?
Answer: Surveillance technology in public spaces raises several ethical concerns:
● Invasion of Privacy: Constant monitoring can infringe on individuals' rights to privacy,
leading to discomfort and fear of being watched.
● Data Security: The collection and storage of surveillance data can lead to security
vulnerabilities and unauthorized access, putting individuals at risk.
● Discrimination and Profiling: Surveillance systems may disproportionately target
certain groups, leading to racial profiling and discrimination.
● Accountability and Transparency: The lack of clear regulations on how surveillance
data is used can lead to abuses of power and a lack of accountability for organizations
and governments.
Question 5: Discuss the Importance of Ethical Guidelines in Technology
Development.
Question: Why are ethical guidelines crucial in the development and deployment of new
technologies? Provide specific examples.
Answer: Ethical guidelines are essential in technology development for several reasons:
● Preventing Harm: Guidelines help identify potential risks and harm associated with new
technologies, ensuring that developers take proactive measures to minimize negative
impacts. For example, in biomedical engineering, ethical guidelines are crucial in
preventing harm to patients during clinical trials.
● Promoting Fairness: Ethical frameworks ensure that technology benefits all segments
of society, preventing inequalities. For instance, guidelines in AI development can help
ensure algorithms are designed without bias.
● Enhancing Trust: Establishing ethical standards fosters trust among users,
encouraging them to adopt new technologies. For example, companies that prioritize
ethical data practices, like transparency in data usage, are more likely to gain consumer
trust.
● Guiding Innovation: Ethical guidelines provide a roadmap for responsible innovation,
ensuring that technological advancements align with societal values and norms. For
example, environmental regulations in tech development guide companies towards
sustainable practices.
These questions can help you engage with the ethical considerations surrounding technology
and encourage critical thinking. If you need more questions or specific areas to focus on, let me
know!
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,Here are additional practice questions and answers for WGU D333 Ethics in Technology,
expanding to cover various topics and ethical scenarios:
Question 6: Explain the Principle of Informed Consent in Technology.
Answer: Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle requiring individuals to be fully
aware of what they are consenting to before participating in any technology-related process,
such as data collection or research studies. It involves providing clear, comprehensive
information about the purpose, risks, and implications of using technology, allowing users to
make autonomous decisions. For example, apps collecting personal data must clearly
communicate how that data will be used, enabling users to consent knowingly.
Question 7: Assess the Ethical Dilemmas of Autonomous Vehicles.
Question: What ethical dilemmas arise from the development and deployment of autonomous
vehicles (AVs)?
Answer: The introduction of AVs presents several ethical dilemmas, including:
● Decision-Making in Crises: AVs must be programmed to make decisions in scenarios
where accidents are unavoidable. For instance, should an AV prioritize the safety of its
passengers over pedestrians?
● Liability Issues: Determining responsibility for accidents involving AVs is complex.
Should manufacturers, software developers, or owners be held liable?
● Data Privacy: AVs collect vast amounts of data on user behavior and location, raising
concerns about how this data is used and protected.
● Job Displacement: The widespread adoption of AVs may lead to job losses in driving
professions, prompting ethical considerations about the social responsibility of
technology companies.
Question 8: Discuss the Role of Digital Ethics in Social Media.
Question: How can digital ethics guide the development and use of social media platforms?
Answer: Digital ethics can guide social media in several ways:
● Content Moderation: Ethical frameworks can help define guidelines for moderating
content to balance free expression with the prevention of harm, such as hate speech
and misinformation.
● User Privacy: Social media platforms must prioritize user privacy by implementing
strong data protection measures and transparent policies regarding data usage.
● Algorithmic Transparency: Ethical considerations advocate for transparency in
algorithms that curate content, ensuring users understand how their data influences
what they see.
● Combating Addiction: Ethical guidelines can address the design of features that
promote healthy usage patterns, mitigating the addictive nature of social media
platforms.
Question 9: Evaluate the Impact of Technology on Employment Ethics.
, Question: What ethical concerns arise from technology's impact on employment and the
workforce?
Answer: The integration of technology into the workplace raises several ethical concerns:
● Job Displacement: Automation and AI can lead to job losses, raising ethical questions
about the responsibility of organizations to retrain or support affected workers.
● Workplace Surveillance: The use of surveillance technology can create a culture of
mistrust and invade employees' privacy, necessitating ethical guidelines for monitoring
practices.
● Equity in Job Opportunities: Technology can both enhance and hinder job access,
raising concerns about equitable opportunities for marginalized groups.
● Employee Well-being: The introduction of demanding technologies can lead to
increased stress and burnout, prompting ethical considerations about the responsibility
of employers to safeguard employee health.
Question 10: Analyze the Ethical Implications of Biometric Technology.
Question: What ethical issues are associated with the use of biometric technology for
identification and security?
Answer: Biometric technology raises several ethical issues:
● Privacy Concerns: The collection of biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial
recognition, can lead to unauthorized surveillance and breaches of personal privacy.
● Data Security: Storing biometric data poses significant security risks; breaches can
have irreversible consequences, as biometric traits cannot be changed like passwords.
● Bias and Discrimination: Biometric systems, particularly facial recognition, have shown
biases against certain demographic groups, raising ethical concerns about fairness and
equality.
● Consent and Ownership: The ethical question of who owns biometric data and whether
individuals have given informed consent for its collection and use is crucial in
implementing these technologies.
Question 11: Discuss the Role of Ethics in Technology Policy
Development.
Question: Why is it important to incorporate ethics into technology policy development?
Answer: Incorporating ethics into technology policy development is crucial for several reasons:
● Guiding Responsible Innovation: Ethical considerations help ensure that technological
advancements serve the public good and do not cause harm.
● Protecting Rights: Policies grounded in ethical principles safeguard individuals’ rights,
such as privacy and freedom from discrimination.
● Building Public Trust: Transparent and ethical policies foster public trust in technology,
encouraging adoption and collaboration between stakeholders.
● Addressing Societal Challenges: Ethical frameworks can guide the development of
policies that address pressing societal issues, such as digital equity and access to
technology.