CST Ethics Exercise
CST Ethics Exercise
Case Study : Smart homes for older people with diabilities.
A smart home refers to a residence equipped with devices and
appliances that are interconnected and can be controlled remotely and/or
automated to enhance comfort, convenience, security, and energy efficiency.
These devices often communicate with each other and with a central hub or
control system, typically via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other wireless
protocols. Examples of smart home devices include smart thermostats, lighting
systems, security cameras, door locks, speakers, appliances, and sensors. Users
can control these devices through smartphone apps, voice commands, or automated
schedules. Smart homes offer benefits such as remote monitoring and management,
energy savings, improved safety, and a more personalized living experience.
Activity :
Part One :
You are the software engineer responsible for the integrity
of Ferndale’s system. During a routine inspection you discover several
indicators suggesting a data breach may have occurred via some of the smart
appliances, many of which have cameras and are voice-activated. Through the
IoT, these appliances are also connected to Amazon Ring home security products
– these ultimately link to Amazon, including supplying financial information
and details about purchases.
Technical Analysis:
The first step involves determining whether a breach has
occurred and if data has been accessed. Through data logs and network traffic
analysis, it's possible to identify unauthorized access and discern the scope
of the breach.
Potential compromised data includes sensitive information
such as personal details, recorded videos, and financial records.
Preventing breaches requires strengthening security
measures, including regular software updates, implementing two-factor
authentication, and educating users on data security practices to mitigate
future risks.
This technical assessment underscores the importance of
proactive measures to safeguard data integrity and prevent unauthorized access,
emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and user education in maintaining
system security.
Part Two : The
Legal and Ethical issues
There are numerous legal and ethical issues to consider in
the event of a potential data breach in a smart home system. The immediate
ethical concerns revolve around the risk that the breach compromised residents'
personal details, financial information, or even allowed remote and secret
control of cameras. Health information and bank details are particularly
sensitive and could have been breached, posing risks such as fraud and stolen
identity. Additionally, the breach may have violated GDPR regulations, potentially
leading to fines and legal consequences for the responsible company. It's
essential to inform the community about the breach, especially considering that
some residents may not fully grasp the technological implications and their
rights. However, disclosing the breach may also lead to distrust in the
system's integrity, regardless of whether the data was compromised. Family
members with technological understanding can help relay information and address
any financial issues resulting from the breach.
Furthermore, it's crucial to inform relevant authorities
such as the ICO and government agencies responsible for data breaches. Their
investigation could mitigate risks and take action against any misuse of
personal information. Affected individuals should also contact their banks to
report potential fraud. Regarding data ownership, it's a shared responsibility
between the community (Ferndale) and the companies providing IoT devices like
Amazon and Google. If a resident passes away, their data should be deleted from
the servers, although this process may require cooperation from the companies
storing the information. Overall, addressing legal and ethical considerations
in the aftermath of a data breach requires transparency, proactive
communication, and collaboration with relevant authorities and stakeholders to
mitigate risks and protect individuals' rights.
Part Three :
Wider Ethical context
The wider ethical context of the situation involving a
potential data breach in smart homes prompts reflection on several moral
issues. One key consideration is the responsibility of engineers and
manufacturers to inform affected individuals when engineered products or
systems go wrong. There's an ethical imperative to prioritize safety, provide
clear communication, and offer assurances of commitment to preventing future
issues. Additionally, the right to privacy is a fundamental concern, raising
questions about whether privacy should be traded away for other goods and who
has the authority to make such decisions.
Furthermore, the discussion extends to the utility of smart
home technology in light of persistent privacy risks. While smart homes offer
convenience, the potential threats to privacy necessitate careful regulation to
safeguard personal information without compromising security.
Moreover, the inhabitants of these smart homes are senior
citizens with disabilities, raising the question of whether they deserve a
different level of care and consideration. Engineers working on software for
such homes should employ a heightened duty of care, focusing on security, easy
accessibility, and emotional support tailored to the needs of elderly
individuals.
Individual autonomy in assessing risk and choosing
functionality is another ethical consideration, with technology ideally
enabling users to make informed choices based on their risk tolerance. Finally,
accountability for unsafe systems rests with engineers, who share
responsibility with manufacturers and should prioritize clear accountability
and teamwork in addressing issues and ensuring system safety.
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