The Disclosure Of Private Search Dat Aol Inc. ( An...

Many researchers are facing the challenges of producing and publishing data with the help of technologies without breaching of the privacy and confidentiality. In this report, a case study of the disclosure of private search data in AOL Inc. (an American web search media) is presented to reveal the consequences of privacy violation and highlight the importance of ethical awareness and privacy protection in research projects. Modern researchers are using technologies to collect, analyse, publish and store data electronically to improve productivity. While the deployment of the software, hardware and networks has proven to be efficient and effective, many ethical dilemmas may have encountered along with the data handling process. Lynch (2000) suggests that information is a powerful source and user accessibility is the key to its prosperity. Given the open access, duplication convenience and fast dissemination features of the online data, it is important to make ethical and legal judgments in what and how information should be collected and utilised in order to protect people’s rights and privacy. Since legal control normally fall behind technical improvements, ethics steps forward to bridge the gap and guide people in making moral decisions when handling sensitive information. Ethics refer to the rules and guidelines for differentiating between right and wrong behavior. Individuals may reach common understandings on some ethical norms but interpret them differentlyShow MoreRelatedMonsanto: Better Living Through Genetic Engineering96204 Words   |  385 Pagescommercial and social objectives C A S E N I N E From greenï ¬ eld to graduates: University of the Sunshine Coast C A S E T E N Whole Foods Market, 2005: Will there be enough organic food to satisfy the C A S E E L E V E N growing demand? Wal-Mart Stores Inc.: Dominating global retailing C A S E T W E L V E 14_Hanson_3ed_SB_3869_TXT.indd 441 8/29/07 1:09:33 PM 442 INTRODUCTION A SUMMARY OF THE CASE ANALYSIS PROCESS Case analysis is an essential part of a strategic management course