Internet monitoring: ethical?

[Dynam0]

Re: Internet monitoring: ethical?

On some level, privacy is a must in order to have any sense of dignity.

The problem is data mining.

This is grounds for a much more interesting discussion imo. With the incredible volume of information there is on the internet, it's so easy to come up with conspiracies and basically any 'narrative' as you see fit. Issues like climate change for instance will constantly be debated since there are vast amounts of supporting evidence for either side. Obviously there is more credibility from one side but let's not get into that. Point is, it will be interesting to see how the digital era will play out in creating a damaging image of government.

[dAnceguy117]

Re: Internet monitoring: ethical?

I know rather little about the subject of ethics. Some ethical theories and principles hold up logically in a higher number of situations than some other ethical theories and principles. Still, when debating whether some action is ethical or unethical, the answer depends at least partly on the set of ethical beliefs to which one subscribes, correct?

Internet monitoring and other forms of privacy invasion seem intuitively "wrong" to most of us. As Rubix and Plopadop have done in this thread, we can explain how internet monitoring doesn't produce accurate results and can induce discomfort or even paranoia among internet users. Dynamo also highlighted the topic of data mining, which I agree would make for a compelling discussion.

I find myself in the same boat as Shadowcliff. Even though internet monitoring and data mining feel unethical to me, I would have a difficult time trying to articulate my position. Can we say internet monitoring is objectively wrong? Does factual evidence to support such an argument exist?

When someone holds an opposing opinion on a matter of privacy, what's the best way to reach some common ground before trying to make a convincing argument?

[DossarLX ODI]

Re: Internet monitoring: ethical?

Everything ultimately boils down to utilitarianism.

"Would it be better for me to stand up for this man getting unfair treatment and risk getting into trouble myself, or should I do nothing and keep myself safe for now?"

"What would other people think about me if they saw this?"

"Would having this revealed about me possibly be twisted enough to look bad and be used to make me look like a criminal when it really is nothing of the sort?"

"If someone looked through my browser history and saw me google something about how a particular substance works, are they going to use that in a way that I am making a chemical substance to commit a terrorist act?"

The point is, ego & greed/power > ethics. Utilitarian aspects are *always* considered. Why do you think people don't respond if there is someone clearly pointing out something wrong? They *ARE* thinking "is it worth helping him or no?", and I don't care what bullshit anyone tries pulling on this

Privacy very much matters simply because other people can and will use whatever they find, twisting it if it would give them an advantage. Ego & greed/power > ethics.

[infinity.]

Re: Internet monitoring: ethical?

Everything ultimately boils down to utilitarianism.

"Would it be better for me to stand up for this mean getting unfair treatment and risk getting into trouble myself, or should I do nothing and keep myself safe?"

"What would other people think about me if they saw this?"

"Would having this revealed about me possibly be twisted enough to look bad and be used to make me look like a criminal when it really is nothing of the sort?"

"If someone looked through my browser history and saw me google something about how a particular substance works, are they going to use that in a way that I am making a chemical substance to commit a terrorist act?"

The point is, ego & greed/power > ethics. Utilitarian aspects are *always* considered. Why do you think people don't respond if there is someone clearly pointing out something wrong? They *ARE* thinking "is it worth helping him or no?", and I don't care what bullshit anyone tries pulling on this

Privacy very much matters simply because other people can and will use whatever they find, twisting it if it would give them an advantage. Ego & greed/power > ethics.

your supporting quotes are pretty much all rawlsian ethics lol

also this makes no sense

[DossarLX ODI]

Re: Internet monitoring: ethical?

How does it not make sense?

And so by allowing third parties to milk your data, you're granting them the power to fuck with you if they see fit.

Anyone who gets a hold of your data can twist it any way they want if it will give them an advantage.

[infinity.]

Re: Internet monitoring: ethical?

How does it not make sense?



Anyone who gets a hold of your data can twist it any way they want if it will give them an advantage.

mostly because utilitarianism is an ethic

and because when a maxim is willed in such a way that is believed to have the greatest overall benefit i have a hard time seeing that as greed or power but more as a protection and a governing body's duty.

[igotrhythm]

Re: Internet monitoring: ethical?

Even though I have nothing to hide, I still prefer that random strangers can't break into my house to look at my personal stuff. I'm zany that way. - Adam Mordecai