This paper discusses the growing lack of ethics in the communications industry as well as the need for more supervision and stricter guidelines when using copyrighted materials on the internet.
Abstract This paper examines the general lack of awareness and regulations regarding the ethical and legal implications involving copyrighted materials displayed on the internet. Business and technology follows the imperative of development with little regard for how ethics and morals are influenced and the end result is that ethical issues are often left behind. Also discussed is the changing nature of information and technology which has resulted in the changing nature of privacy. This paper examines both copyright and patent laws and the lack of supervision of these guidelines on the internet as well as the ongoing attempts by the industry to reinforce these same laws. Topics covered in this report include: Organizational Impacts/Issues Future of the Topic Conclusion Bibliography
From the Paper "Computers are seen as logical, rational devices, by which logical, rational actions are carried out, without any ethical implication. No blame or censure can thus be accorded when the computer suffers a breakdown or when the software has a bug. Such technology is seen as an entity on its own, without any moral intervention or evaluation. The reason for this is another result of the rapid development of technology. Few truly understand the nature of computing or information technology. Technology is used as a tool, without being attached to ethical responsibility."
Abstract This paper discusses how the issue of an Internet sales tax has been at the topic of much debate over the past few years and how the budget crises facing many states have made it a crucial one. It explores the current status of Texas legislation regarding Internet taxation and investigates the federal law regarding Internet taxation. It looks at the National Governors Association's model legislation to streamline and simplify state taxation and also examines the the jurisdiction requirements that allow states to impose sales taxes and the case law that affects a state's ability to tax Internet sales.
From the Paper "In 1999 Texas legislation proposed that the state would join the streamlined sales tax project. In recent years the legislation has adopted the practices of the streamlined sales tax project. Texas has currently has one the most stringent Internet tax systems of any state in the union. The state was concerned that it was loosing valuable tax revenue for sales made over the Internet. The Houston Business Journal explains that a merchant in Rhode Island can sell a product over the Internet to an individual residing in Texas but the state will not have the benefit of charging a sales tax because it is unaware of the purchase. This scenario has made lawmakers in Texas and other states criticizing the current federal legislation governing Internet sales tax."
This paper addresses recent concerns about Internet privacy, concentrating on legal and ethical concerns. In particular, a bill is being introduced in the Senate this spring which aims to codify in U.S. law the rights and responsibilities of information
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, 2002, $ 62.95
Abstract This paper addresses recent concerns about Internet privacy, concentrating on legal and ethical concerns. In particular, a bill is being introduced in the Senate this spring which aims to codify in U.S. law the rights and responsibilities of information suppliers. In the past, the United States has taken a "hands-off" approach to regulating information, in the hopes that the industry will engage in self-regulation. Self-regulation is not advancing rapidly enough to satisfy either the Federal Trade Commission or the recent European Community Directive. The paper presents and supports the opinion that it is imperative that the United States pass legislation which will address Internet privacy issues and forestall any restrictions U.S. companies may have in dealing with Europe.
Abstract This paper initially describes how the development of the Internet and
e-commerce, in particular, have resulted in the Web becoming a new arena for criminal activities. The author then explores how the Internet has also afforded the authorities the means and methods of combating not only cybercrime but other types of criminal behavior. Some of these methods are detailed, such as the police being able to disseminate information about criminals to the public via their official Websites. Other advanced technologies for fighting crime via the Internet are also described.
From the Paper "One of the most obvious and successful ways of combating crime through the technological opportunities on the Internet, is the use of the Web's unique information sharing and data storing facilities. The fact that the Internet can instantly update and provide interactive access to the latest data has been used with great success by law enforcement agencies. This is often facilitated by interaction between the public and law enforcement agencies via online websites. For example, the police can disseminate information about criminals and criminal profiles to the public via their official Websites. This can lead to an interactive process where the public can contact the authorities immediately via email or online response systems with information that they may have about criminals."
Abstract The paper examines jurisdictional, practical, constitutional and enforcement issues with regards to the phenomenon of pop-up ads on the Internet. The paper also looks at issues governing legal responsibility and issues governing damage. The paper explains that many issues revolve around rights of property, tangible and intangible, freedom of speech and expression and contract law. The paper explores if and how the law can or should be modified to cover these issues. The paper looks at ethical issues and social responsibility. The paper concludes that currently, the law is inadequate as new definitions are needed. The paper is of the opinion that consumers should boycott companies who use pop-up marketing.
Outline:
Introduction
Section II: Legal Issues Defined
Section III: Ethical Issues:
Section IV: Social Responsibility
Section V: Conclusions
From the Paper "The creation of the Internet issued in a whole new set of legal problems, from the problem of defining property and boundaries to issues of fair use and copyright. There were problems which nobody ever anticipated, because "cyberspace" is not real, but the people at the terminals are, and real damage can be done to Internet users. Heretofore, laws have been tied mostly to tangible items of, at least, estimable tangible value. When there was difficulty placing an absolute value, juries have been empowered to make a decision for the sake of awards. The Internet has brought with it a whole array of issues which are tied to laws which do not apply, or to definitions which do not apply."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at the draft disposition of the Internet tort case. The writer discusses that the draft should be revised because it misstates the tort law involved. Further, the writer believes that the draft employs improper standard for reviewing summary judgment motions
From the Paper "This essay analyzes the correctness in terms of its conclusions and reasoning of the draft disposition by the state court trial judge of motions for summary judgment filed by plaintiffs and defendants in the subject case. The draft disposition should be substantially revised and many of its conclusions altered especially those relating to the granting of defendant Phishy Corp's motions, because it is based on faulty readings of the applicable state tort law and employs reasoning which would ... "
Tags: no, material, issue, of, fact, or, law, intentional, internet, torts, standards, of, conduct, in, internet, negligence, cases
Abstract This paper deals with laws in place on Internet censorship and why they are unjust. The author discusses why the American government should not attempt to censor the Internet with emphasis on children's' rights.
From the Paper "The United States Constitution guarantees each American the right to free speech and a free press. Does the government then have the right to tell you that something isn"t appropriate to be said or published" No. Through control, regulation and censorship, it seems as if the only free place to publish is on the Internet. However, the government now wants to pass legislation concerning Internet content. Government officials should not regulate what can or cannot be found on the Internet."
Abstract This paper investigates the federal legislation around telecommunications with focus on the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The author examines the history and formation of the bill, the people behind its enactment and how this law effects telecommunications. A look at laws pertaining to use of the Internet.
From the Paper "Few pieces of federal legislation enacted during last decade have been as important or as controversial as the Telecommunications Act of 1996, for in addition to bringing federal laws in line with 21st-century telecommunications technology and 21st-century communications habits, the law also sought to set a levy of accountability on the Internet that many people believed was tantamount to a violation of the First Amendment and to censorship ? a charge that the U.S. Supreme Court would later side with when it struck down the "decency" provisions of the law. This paper explores the legislative history of the bill, the interest groups that were in involved in lobbying on either side and an evaluation of the law. "
Abstract This paper addresses the sensitive issue of the practice of companies that track consumer trends on the Internet and, in turn, use this information for advertising targets on a person's computer. It discusses how this is discouraged when children use the Internet and looks at the laws and prohibitions in place, which in theory, are meant to limit and protect the consumer from unnecessary abuse.
From the Paper "Until the debate is settled, if ever, it is largely up to the consumer to protect himself. Companies are using many methods to track and collect personal information. While the programming ingenuity is admirable, the ethical and legal use of the collected data is yet to be determined and we do know that it opens up many doors of risk. While identity theft is a major risk, the collection of personal information to create a user profile can be beneficial if the user maintains control. A profile allows personalization that can give users a sense of belonging. It allows a site to greet the customer by name, offer services and products according to individual preferences, and not being required to retype requested information. In this light, such risks can be worthwhile if the user is careful."
Abstract This paper examines people's behaviour regarding security and privacy issues on the internet and how portal/e-business companies can increase their security and therefore regain customers trust. People are very concerned about their security and privacy on the internet. However the greatest concern is with financial transactions. So while many people are prepared to use the internet for certain purposes, there are still a great number of users who are concerned about security issues.
Contents:
Internet Portals
History
Features of Major Portals
Privacy and Law Privacy Concerns
Privacy Bill
Privacy and the Internet Privacy Policies
Cookies
Use of Cookies
Cookie Awareness
Internet Security
Viruses
Encryptions
PGP
Digital Signatures
SSL
Set Protocol
Firewall
Security Concerns
Methodolgies
Questionnaire
Survey Results
Recommendations for Portal and E-Business Comapnies
Recommendations for Internet Users
Glossary of Terms
Bibliography
From the Paper "According to World Internet Link (2001) ?Internet Portals are among the hottest Internet trends of the day.? Client Help Desk (2002) describes an Internet portal as ?a Web site which offers a great amount of content and services, either on many subjects or on a specific subject.? Major Internet portals, a further development of search-engines, include AltaVista, Excite, Lycos and Yahoo. Problems arise because of privacy concerns as some users don?t want to provide personal information and credit card details to an Internet portal and/or e-commerce company. The personalisation of Internet portals is possible via a cookie. Originally designed for consumer convenience, the cookie is an important tool to personalise and customise an Internet portal. Initially, portals offered only search tools but are now more personalised, enabling users to customise them by initiating their own start-up page containing their individual content, layout and colour. Furthermore portals started selling products too."
Abstract This paper examines in the way in which technological advances, particularly the development of the Internet, have revolutionized the field of intellectual property and copyright law in the United States. It provides a historical overview of the U.S. copyright laws and a synopsis and evaluation of the most recent legal trends in the light of some watershed technology cases, such as TotalNews and Napster. It also details the evolution of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and provides an analysis of its benefits and its shortcomings.
From the Paper "The recording companies answered Napster's claims point by point. They maintained that even though Napster did not copy unauthorized MP3s itself, it encouraged piracy through the listing of available connections designed to transfer copyrighted materials illegally and therefore should be found guilty of copyright infringement. Napster also had not adhered to procedural guidelines established for service providers and could not claim protection under the exceptions for service providers. The recording companies argued that any legitimate uses of Napster were irrelevant because "the chief and perhaps only reason that users signed up to Napster was the lure
of easy access to free pirate recordings" (Litman 160). The judge agreed with the record industry on all issues and ordered Napster to redesign its servers to block access to music files by major record labels or shut down completely. Napster's servers are still currently disabled as it seeks to filter out unauthorized copyrighted material (Litman 160-1)."
Abstract This paper focuses on the legalities surrounding the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and the Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH) which were both passed to protect the owners of software copyrights. This paper discusses the issue of software copyright as it pertains mainly to the field of education. The writer contends and explains the manner in which both laws clarify several complicated issues for software users while also offering international protection to owners of copyrighted material. This paper examines the basic premise of TEACH which contains recommendations made by the U.S. Copyright Office that addresses the use of informational material and services obtained via the internet. This paper discusses the responsibilities of online educational organizations who make use of informational software. This paper also delves into the additional concerns and responsibilities facing school libraries regarding the software used on library computers.
From the Paper "These requirements are in addition to laws and regulations previously on place. The laws are intended to give software publishers the same protections text publishers have. Just as it is illegal to photocopy textbooks to avoid buying published copies, schools cannot copy software for use on multiple computers unless they have purchased a multiple-use license. Then, they must restrict the number of copies to the number authorized in their purchase. They may not install personal copies of software they purchased for home use on a school computer; or make copies of school-owned software for either home use or to share with parents and students. In addition, the laws address the use of shareware. Sometimes people think of shareware as "free," but it is not, and schools may not use shareware beyond the date at which the shareware copyright owner demands payment. In addition, although freeware is free in that the school does not have to pay for it, the law states that people may not sell freeware."
Abstract This paper presents a brief overview of the AMA Code of Ethics, which was written to prevent ill-willed marketing in business. The paper then explains how easy it is for an Internet company to get away with misleading customers by false and wrong marketing campaigns, including a number of real-life examples.
From the Paper "One example of a violation of the AMA Code of Ethics ? section, Rights and Duties of Parties in the Marketing Exchange Process ("Communications about offered products and services are not deceptive") ? is found in the unsolicited yet tempting email (e.g., spam) titled ?Here's your 2 FREE air tickets, 2 FREE Hotel Nights + $100.? Once the email is opened, the message urges the reader to ?Claim your 2 FREE Round-Trip Air Tickets and 2 FREE Hotel Nights!? The URL inside the email exhorts the recipient to ?Hurry! Offer Ends Soon!"
Abstract This paper examines the issue of privacy laws in Canada in the context of recent innovations in computer and communications technologies. It is argued that current legislation is antiquated and insufficient to protect citizens from government and, in particular, private sector misuse of personal information.
Abstract This paper examines the thesis that the government is playing a wild card in its attempt to censor the Internet. It discusses several laws and examines how public libraries who do not censor the Internet can suffer funding losses.
From the Paper "In Antigone, Sophocles wrote, "There is nothing in the world so demoralizing as money." Today's society revolves around money. Without money, no person, organization, corporation, or entity can function. It is well known that in the hands of the government, when push comes to shove, money pushes, money shoves, and, more often than not, money prevails. In other words, if the government wants something done, money is the wild card. The issue of Internet censorship is no different. For years, the United States government has pushed to place censors on the Internet. After having censorship legislation stuck down by the Supreme Court, the government turned its attention to censorship of the Internet in public libraries and public schools. In recent months, the issue of censorship of the Internet in public libraries and public schools has reached a boiling point. When closely studied, it is obvious that the government has chosen to pursue censorship within libraries and public schools because all other censorship avenues have been blocked. Furthermore, it is also obvious that the government is playing their wild card in their attempt to censor, essentially backing libraries into a comer with legislation that denies public libraries and schools significant amounts of governmental funding if Internet censorship guidelines are not followed. Because the issue of Internet censorship centers on the First Amendment, it is important to understand exactly what the freedom of speech guarantees United States citizens. Since its inception, the First Amendment's guarantee of the freedom of speech has plagued all forms of."
