One of the most divisive and controversial issues facing computer professionals today is the use of technology to monitor and analyze everyday behavior. Video cameras and smart home devices enhance security, but can also be hacked and used to monitor and even gain access to private homes. Facial recognition programs can help ensure that only authorized users get access to sensitive information, but they can also infringe on privacy. Credit cards and consumer loyalty cards make purchases convenient for customers, but also provide businesses with unprecedented amounts of information on consumer habits. Programs that mine large datasets can identify potential terrorist attacks before they occur, but can also be used to profile law-abiding citizens. On a grander scale, governments have used technology to monitor and track the movements of citizens, mine their personal data for concerning patterns, and even tap their communications, all in the name of national security. These trends have led to what many refer to as the current "surveillance state," in which government agencies engage in pervasive surveillance of its citizens.

You are to write a 10-page (double-spaced) midterm paper focusing on the ethical issues related to the use of surveillance technology in our society. Are infringements on people's privacy ever justified, and if so, under what conditions? As a computer professional, what are your ethical responsibilities? If your employer directed you to develop software that you felt would violate the rights of the public, how should you react? Under what conditions would you be morally obligated to act as a whistle-blower?

Your paper should describe the tradeoffs involved in pervasive surveillance and take a clear position as to where the ethical/moral limits should be drawn. In your analysis, you should support your arguments with specific real-world cases and should reference the ethical dimensions described in the Laudon paper: rule-based vs. consequence-based and individual vs. collective. Your paper should reference at least five reputable sources.

Two week before the due date, students will submit a proposed outline of the paper. This outline should clearly state the position being taken by the paper, and identify at least three supporting arguments for that position. Real world cases should be cited that will be referenced in those arguments.

The grading rubric for final paper is as follows:

Readability (grammar, spelling, clarity, sufficient length)	0-20 points
Takes a position and provides justification     Includes sufficient background and factual information     Includes information and analysis appropriate for a computer scientist	0-20 points 0-10 points 0-10 points
Argument is cohesive and persuasive     Specifically cites the ethical dimensions     Cites credible references appropriately	0-20 points 0-10 points 0-10 points