Before starting this experience, please go through all of the “Foundations” readings and experiences.
Please read the following short articles:
Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen tells lawmakers that meaningful reform is necessary ‘for our common good’ (Washington Post, 10/5/2021)
Here are four key points from the Facebook Whistleblower’s testimony on Capitol Hill (NPR, Oct 5, 2021)
Facebook Whistleblower fears the metaverse (AP, Nov 9, 2021)
Did Facebook violate any of the ACM Code of Ethics? For example, consider Principles 1.2, 1.3, 1.6, 2.7, 3.1, and 3.7.
Haugen says that Facebook’s systems amplify online hate and extremism, fail to protect young people from harmful content, and that the company lacks any incentive to fix the problems. Are these ethical problems or not? Justify your answer by reference to one or more principles in the ACM Code of Ethics.
Was Haugen acting ethically or unethically? Justify your answer by reference to one or more principles in the ACM Code of Ethics.
As a company, what is Facebook ethically obligated to do now? Justify your answer by reference to one or more principles in the ACM Code of Ethics.
As a consumer, are you ethically obligated to delete your Facebook account in light of these findings? Why or why not? Justify your answer by reference to one or more principles in the ACM Code of Ethics.