A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology
These questions and answers cover a range of social, legal, and ethical issues in computing technology as discussed in A Gift of Fire.
A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology
- What is the primary concern when it comes to privacy in computing technology?
A) Speed of internet connection
B) Protection of personal and sensitive information
C) Ability to use social media
D) Number of apps on a device
- Which of the following is an example of an ethical issue related to computing technology?
A) Creating software updates
B) Using algorithms that unintentionally discriminate against certain groups
C) Developing new programming languages
D) Installing antivirus software
- What does the term “digital divide” refer to?
A) The difference between mobile and desktop computing
B) The gap between individuals who have easy access to modern technology and those who do not
C) A type of software problem
D) The choice between using open-source or proprietary software
- Which law protects individuals from unauthorized access to their personal data?
A) The Copyright Act
B) The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
C) The Sherman Antitrust Act
D) The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
- What is a key factor in ensuring ethical behavior in the development and use of computing technology?
A) Maximizing profit from software sales
B) Adhering to a code of ethics that respects user rights and safety
C) Developing only for profit-driven industries
D) Creating complex user interfaces
- What is the primary role of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?
A) To regulate internet service providers
B) To protect personal data and privacy for individuals within the European Union
C) To promote internet speed across different regions
D) To control data centers’ operational costs
- What is a potential consequence of not following ethical guidelines in computing technology?
A) Increased revenue and user satisfaction
B) Legal penalties, loss of trust, and potential harm to users
C) Faster software development
D) Higher user engagement and app downloads
- Which of the following best describes “cybersecurity”?
A) The study of software development
B) The practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks
C) Building faster network connections
D) The creation of educational technology
- What is the primary concern of intellectual property law as it relates to computing?
A) Protecting the hardware used in computers
B) Ensuring that software and digital content creators receive recognition and payment for their work
C) Regulating the purchase of software licenses
D) Creating new technology patents
- Which of the following is considered a violation of user privacy?
A) Updating software regularly
B) Tracking user behavior without their consent
C) Providing users with clear privacy policies
D) Encrypting data for safety
- Which of the following best exemplifies “software piracy”?
A) Developing open-source software
B) Selling software that has been copied and distributed without authorization
C) Updating software licenses
D) Using free trial versions of software
- Which type of computing issue involves the debate over whether or not technology should be used to control or monitor individuals?
A) Cybersecurity
B) Data storage
C) Privacy and surveillance
D) Mobile app development
- What is the main ethical challenge faced by tech companies regarding user data?
A) Making the software user-friendly
B) Deciding whether to share or sell data without user consent
C) Creating compatible software
D) Preventing hardware malfunctions
- Which of the following is NOT a common ethical concern in computing technology?
A) Artificial intelligence bias
B) Digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities
C) Faster computer processors
D) Privacy of personal data
- What is “net neutrality”?
A) A system that prioritizes certain types of data traffic
B) The principle that internet service providers must treat all data on the internet equally
C) A type of internet security measure
D) A law that governs cloud computing
- Why is encryption important in computing?
A) It speeds up the internet connection
B) It ensures data is secure and only accessible by authorized parties
C) It makes software more attractive to users
D) It allows data to be shared freely
- What is an ethical dilemma faced by companies that collect user data for advertising?
A) Deciding how to increase their profit margins
B) Whether to disclose how user data is used and to obtain consent
C) Choosing between different ad formats
D) Ensuring compatibility with all devices
- What is an example of a social issue that has arisen due to the use of computing technology?
A) Improved customer service
B) The spread of misinformation and fake news
C) Increased job opportunities in the tech industry
D) Better software for communication
- What is the purpose of open-source software?
A) To keep software private and proprietary
B) To allow users to view, modify, and distribute the code freely
C) To limit software distribution
D) To make software difficult to access
- Which of the following is a potential risk of AI in computing?
A) Enhanced data encryption
B) Increased efficiency in task management
C) The potential for job displacement and algorithmic bias
D) Improved communication networks
- What is “digital literacy”?
A) The ability to use complex software programs without help
B) The knowledge and skills required to use digital technology effectively and safely
C) Only knowing how to use social media
D) Being proficient in coding only
- Why is data privacy considered an important aspect of social responsibility in computing?
A) It prevents computer viruses
B) It protects the rights of individuals to control their personal information
C) It speeds up data processing
D) It allows companies to increase profit
- What is a significant legal issue related to computing technology?
A) The requirement for developers to use complex coding languages
B) The regulation of how data is collected, stored, and used by tech companies
C) The type of hardware used by consumers
D) The development of faster internet infrastructure
- Which of the following practices is considered an ethical use of computing technology?
A) Using data analytics to manipulate consumer behavior without consent
B) Using technology to provide equal access to education and job opportunities
C) Tracking users’ every move for advertising without disclosure
D) Monitoring employees’ activities without a clear policy
- What can be a consequence of failing to address ethical and legal challenges in computing?
A) Increased user trust and loyalty
B) Legal action, loss of reputation, and potential financial penalties
C) Greater market competition
D) Enhanced product quality
- What is “algorithmic bias”?
A) When software is written in a complicated way
B) When algorithms produce outcomes that are unfairly prejudiced against certain groups
C) The process of upgrading software
D) The use of algorithms to speed up computer performance
- What is one of the main reasons for implementing data anonymization?
A) To make data easier to use for marketing purposes
B) To protect user identities and prevent data breaches
C) To speed up data processing
D) To make data more attractive to potential buyers
- Why are tech companies encouraged to follow ethical guidelines?
A) To minimize software production costs
B) To enhance the long-term trust and safety of their users
C) To reduce the amount of data they collect
D) To focus only on short-term profits
- What is a major concern with cloud computing?
A) It can only be used by large corporations
B) The potential for unauthorized access and data breaches
C) It is a form of data encryption
D) It eliminates the need for software updates
- What does the term “data mining” refer to?
A) Collecting data for educational purposes only
B) Extracting useful information from large data sets to identify patterns and trends
C) Building databases from scratch
D) Sending data to external servers for faster access
- What is one of the main reasons for establishing a code of ethics in computing?
A) To ensure developers code as fast as possible
B) To ensure that technology is used in ways that benefit society and respect individual rights
C) To limit the amount of data collected by organizations
D) To create software with fewer bugs
- Which of the following best describes “phishing”?
A) A method of sending advertising emails
B) A cyber attack in which attackers trick users into revealing sensitive information
C) A type of data encryption
D) A legitimate software update
- What does the term “cyberbullying” refer to?
A) Friendly online interactions between peers
B) Using digital platforms to harass or intimidate others
C) Encrypting data for security purposes
D) Creating positive online communities
- Which of the following laws regulates the privacy and security of health information in the United States?
A) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
B) The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
C) The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)
D) The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
- What is an ethical consideration when using AI-driven hiring tools?
A) Ensuring the tool can only analyze resumes from large companies
B) Reducing the speed of the recruitment process
C) Avoiding bias and discrimination against certain groups
D) Maximizing profits for the recruiting firm
- What is the purpose of digital rights management (DRM)?
A) To protect the speed of the internet
B) To prevent unauthorized access, copying, and distribution of digital content
C) To create more engaging user interfaces
D) To reduce the cost of internet service
- What is a consequence of not having strong cybersecurity measures?
A) Faster access to software updates
B) Increased risk of data theft and cyberattacks
C) Greater user satisfaction
D) Reduced energy consumption in data centers
- Why are “terms of service” agreements considered important?
A) They allow companies to advertise more effectively
B) They define the rules and responsibilities between a service provider and the user
C) They speed up the software installation process
D) They provide detailed software instructions
- Which of the following is a critical issue with social media platforms?
A) The difficulty in coding
B) The potential spread of misinformation and false content
C) High software development costs
D) Compatibility with older devices
- What is one ethical concern related to data collection by tech companies?
A) Collecting data without the user’s knowledge or consent
B) Making data available only to top executives
C) Using data to improve product functionality
D) Allowing users to delete their data
- Which of the following is a common reason for ethical concerns in the development of AI technology?
A) AI models are often created without considering potential biases
B) AI can only be used for scientific purposes
C) AI always makes perfect decisions
D) AI programming is inexpensive and straightforward
- What can tech companies do to reduce algorithmic bias?
A) Limit the use of algorithms entirely
B) Use diverse training data and regularly test for biased outcomes
C) Allow only one type of user to interact with their platforms
D) Focus solely on user data collection
- Which type of cyber attack involves attackers pretending to be a trusted entity to gain access to sensitive data?
A) Denial-of-service (DoS) attack
B) Phishing attack
C) Malware installation
D) SQL injection
- What is the “right to be forgotten”?
A) The ability to block ads on websites
B) The right to have personal data erased upon request
C) The right to free internet service
D) The right to prevent users from accessing certain websites
- What is an example of a social benefit of technology?
A) Reduced communication through face-to-face interactions
B) Increased access to educational resources and online learning
C) Increased digital surveillance without consent
D) More data collection for advertising purposes
- Which of the following is a reason why companies may resist adopting strong cybersecurity measures?
A) It increases the cost of operations
B) It boosts user trust and brand reputation
C) It allows for more user data collection
D) It leads to faster product updates
- What is one of the main ethical challenges with autonomous vehicles?
A) They don’t work with GPS systems
B) Ensuring they make decisions that prioritize human safety in all situations
C) They require manual driving only
D) They are only used in business operations
- What is a critical issue surrounding biometric data collection?
A) It is too costly to collect
B) The potential for misuse or unauthorized access to sensitive personal data
C) It always requires physical contact
D) It speeds up data processing
- What is a common challenge of regulating international tech companies?
A) They only operate within one country
B) Differences in national laws and regulations across countries
C) They don’t collect user data
D) They only use physical servers
- What type of legal issue arises when tech companies sell user data without consent?
A) Intellectual property infringement
B) Breach of privacy laws
C) Violation of antitrust regulations
D) Breach of software license agreement
- What is a potential negative outcome of using predictive algorithms in law enforcement?
A) Increased operational costs
B) Unintended racial or socioeconomic bias
C) Faster court case resolutions
D) Greater transparency in the justice system
- Which of the following describes “digital surveillance”?
A) Using technology to improve software updates
B) The monitoring of individuals’ online activities without their consent
C) The creation of virtual reality environments
D) The development of secure encryption methods
- What is a major concern regarding the use of facial recognition technology?
A) It requires a lot of physical space
B) It can be used to track individuals without their knowledge or consent
C) It speeds up computer processing
D) It is only applicable in the medical field
- What is the main purpose of ethical hacking?
A) To create malware for testing purposes
B) To identify and fix vulnerabilities in systems before malicious hackers can exploit them
C) To promote a company’s products
D) To encrypt user data
- Which of the following is an example of data ownership and stewardship?
A) A company keeping all collected user data private indefinitely
B) A company sharing user data with third-party advertisers without consent
C) A company allowing users to access, modify, and delete their own data
D) A company automatically selling user data to competitors
- What does “ethical consumerism” in tech refer to?
A) Choosing products based solely on price
B) Choosing tech products based on their ethical practices and how they impact society and the environment
C) Using only free software
D) Avoiding all forms of advertising
- What is a common ethical issue related to tech monopolies?
A) They only sell open-source software
B) They promote competition by lowering prices
C) They limit consumer choice and stifle innovation
D) They encourage ethical hacking
- What is the impact of “deepfake” technology on society?
A) It helps create realistic animations for movies
B) It has no real-world impact
C) It can be used to spread misinformation and create fake videos
D) It only works in controlled lab environments
- What is a primary concern related to the use of cloud computing services?
A) Reduced software development time
B) The need for constant physical maintenance
C) Data security and the potential for unauthorized access
D) Increased energy use in local data centers
- Which of the following is a legal requirement for handling user data under GDPR?
A) Data must be collected in a way that is compatible with the intended use
B) Data must be shared with third parties freely
C) Data can only be accessed by IT staff
D) Data must be collected with minimal user consent
- Which of the following is an ethical consideration when developing software for children?
A) Making sure the software can be modified by any user
B) Ensuring the software contains age-appropriate content and safeguards personal data
C) Allowing unrestricted in-app purchases
D) Prioritizing revenue generation over user safety
- What is one of the main ethical principles in the context of AI and machine learning?
A) Ensuring AI always makes decisions faster than humans
B) Ensuring transparency and accountability in how AI systems operate
C) Developing AI without any data
D) Avoiding the use of AI in critical decision-making
- What does “cybersecurity resilience” refer to?
A) The ability of a system to recover quickly from cyberattacks
B) The ability of software to run without any interruptions
C) The speed at which security protocols are updated
D) The number of cybersecurity experts in an organization
- What is one way tech companies can address ethical issues related to user consent?
A) By making consent forms longer and more complicated
B) By providing clear and understandable privacy policies and obtaining informed consent
C) By avoiding the collection of any user data
D) By hiding consent forms in the terms of service
- What is a challenge associated with the use of data analytics in business?
A) It provides inaccurate results all the time
B) It can raise ethical concerns about user consent and data privacy
C) It reduces the amount of data collected
D) It eliminates the need for user feedback
- Which of the following describes a key issue in tech regulation?
A) Determining the color scheme of tech devices
B) Balancing innovation with user protection and fairness
C) Avoiding product updates
D) Creating more user accounts per company
- What is one potential benefit of open-source software?
A) It is always protected from bugs
B) It allows anyone to modify, distribute, and contribute to the code
C) It requires high fees for use
D) It is not compatible with any hardware
- What is a possible outcome if tech companies ignore environmental impacts in their practices?
A) Increased public support
B) Improved energy efficiency
C) Damage to their reputation and increased regulatory scrutiny
D) Greater market share
- Which of the following is considered a breach of digital ethics?
A) Developing a mobile app for public use
B) Using user data for targeted advertising without obtaining consent
C) Updating an app to fix security vulnerabilities
D) Using open-source software for development
- What is a primary consideration for tech companies when handling cross-border data transfers?
A) Ensuring data is sent using postal mail
B) Adhering to data protection laws specific to the user’s location
C) Maximizing the data transfer speed at all costs
D) Making data accessible to all users
- What is one of the main ethical issues with using user-generated content on social media platforms?
A) It always leads to content being deleted
B) It can lead to misinformation and violation of intellectual property rights
C) It guarantees increased advertising revenue
D) It requires no user consent
- Which of the following is an example of “net neutrality”?
A) Internet service providers charging extra for certain content
B) Ensuring all online data is treated equally, without discrimination or different charges
C) Internet providers prioritizing fast-loading websites
D) Blocking access to certain types of content
- Why is “digital literacy” important in today’s society?
A) It teaches users how to hack systems
B) It helps individuals effectively use technology and navigate digital platforms safely
C) It focuses solely on using social media
D) It is only relevant to computer programmers
- What is an ethical risk associated with using algorithms for job recruitment?
A) They can speed up the recruitment process excessively
B) They may inadvertently reinforce existing biases, leading to discrimination
C) They eliminate the need for interviews
D) They guarantee that all candidates will be hired
- Which of the following is true about “ethical AI”?
A) Ethical AI is designed without human oversight.
B) Ethical AI aims to ensure that AI systems make decisions that are fair, transparent, and aligned with human values.
C) Ethical AI does not need user data.
D) Ethical AI guarantees perfect decision-making.
- What does “data minimization” mean in the context of data protection?
A) Collecting as much data as possible for analysis
B) Collecting only the data that is necessary for a specific purpose
C) Avoiding data security measures
D) Allowing data to be shared freely
- What is a potential risk of using big data analytics?
A) It eliminates the need for cloud storage
B) It may lead to the violation of user privacy if data is used without consent
C) It requires no infrastructure
D) It is only applicable to government agencies
- What is the main purpose of digital rights management (DRM) in tech?
A) To enhance user experience by simplifying the interface
B) To prevent unauthorized copying and distribution of digital content
C) To make data more accessible to all users
D) To speed up data transmission
- What is one ethical issue with the use of automated decision-making systems in public services?
A) They always make unbiased decisions
B) They can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability in decision-making processes
C) They are cost-free to implement
D) They reduce the need for skilled workers
- What does “digital inclusion” aim to address?
A) Ensuring all tech companies can access private data
B) Bridging the digital divide by ensuring everyone has access to the internet and technology
C) Limiting internet access to only government organizations
D) Providing free Wi-Fi only in urban areas
- Why is “informed consent” crucial in the digital age?
A) It helps companies sell more products
B) It ensures that users are fully aware of how their data is being collected and used
C) It allows companies to bypass privacy laws
D) It eliminates the need for data protection policies
- Which of the following is a potential consequence of not addressing online harassment?
A) Increased user engagement
B) Negative impact on mental health and safety of users
C) Higher advertising revenue
D) Improved user experience
- What is “data sovereignty”?
A) The practice of selling data to third-party vendors
B) The principle that data is subject to the laws and governance of the country in which it is collected
C) The encryption of data at rest
D) Ensuring data is stored only on private servers
- What is a concern related to “facial recognition technology” in public spaces?
A) It improves public safety without drawbacks
B) It can infringe on personal privacy if used without consent
C) It ensures people are identified for their safety
D) It makes surveillance more affordable
- Which of the following is considered a privacy violation?
A) Using strong encryption for data protection
B) Collecting and sharing user data without their consent
C) Encrypting personal data for storage
D) Allowing users to update their privacy settings
- What does “social engineering” in the context of cybersecurity refer to?
A) Designing secure software interfaces
B) Manipulating individuals to disclose confidential information for malicious purposes
C) Structuring databases for optimal use
D) Creating new programming languages
- What is an example of a practice that aligns with “digital ethics”?
A) Tracking user behavior without informing them
B) Being transparent about data collection practices and respecting user privacy
C) Using data for profit without user consent
D) Hiding terms of service in long legal documents
- Why is digital literacy important for cybersecurity?
A) It helps individuals to develop software
B) It enables individuals to recognize and avoid potential online threats
C) It eliminates the need for cybersecurity measures
D) It increases the amount of personal data shared online
- What does “the right to privacy” mean in the digital era?
A) The right to own as much data as possible
B) The right to keep personal information secure and not be subjected to unwarranted surveillance
C) The right to use free public Wi-Fi
D) The right to access any digital content without restrictions
- What is the main goal of data encryption?
A) To store data in an unstructured format
B) To ensure data is accessible without any authentication
C) To convert data into a secure format that can only be read by authorized parties
D) To speed up data transmission
- What is one of the main reasons for implementing strong cybersecurity measures in organizations?
A) To reduce the number of software updates
B) To prevent data breaches and protect sensitive information
C) To increase data collection speed
D) To minimize the number of employees using the internet
- Which of the following is a reason why tech companies use end-to-end encryption?
A) To make data more accessible to law enforcement
B) To ensure that only authorized parties can read the data
C) To simplify data storage
D) To remove the need for strong passwords
- Which of the following is true about the digital divide?
A) It only affects rural communities
B) It refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not
C) It is not a significant issue in developed countries
D) It only concerns the elderly population
- What is the main purpose of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)?
A) To regulate adult content on websites
B) To protect the privacy and personal data of children under the age of 13
C) To ensure websites run faster
D) To restrict the use of social media for teenagers
- What is a potential issue with algorithmic bias in artificial intelligence?
A) It always results in more efficient decision-making
B) It can lead to discriminatory practices that favor certain groups over others
C) It eliminates the need for data analysis
D) It guarantees accuracy in predictions
- Which practice best aligns with ethical data collection?
A) Collecting data without informing users of its use
B) Being transparent about data collection and providing clear consent forms
C) Using data for purposes other than what was agreed upon
D) Sharing user data with third parties without consent
- What is the main ethical concern with using blockchain technology for personal data storage?
A) It can be easily accessed and modified
B) The data stored is immutable and cannot be erased, raising privacy concerns
C) It requires no energy to operate
D) It is highly inefficient compared to other storage options
- Why is it important for tech companies to practice “data anonymization”?
A) It speeds up the data collection process
B) It makes data unusable for any purpose
C) It protects user privacy by ensuring that data cannot be linked back to individual users
D) It allows companies to share data freely without consequences
- What is “cyberbullying”?
A) A term used to describe friendly online interactions
B) The act of using digital technology to harass, intimidate, or humiliate others
C) The process of securing a website from malware
D) A way to increase the speed of data transfe
- Which of the following best defines “digital citizenship”?
A) Having a website and an email address
B) Participating in the online community in a responsible and ethical manner
C) Owning a smartphone and using social media
D) Only using the internet for work purposes - What is a main benefit of promoting “open-source software”?
A) It is always free, regardless of usage
B) It allows users to view, modify, and improve the code, fostering collaboration and transparency
C) It makes data easier to steal
D) It guarantees no security vulnerabilities
- What is the key purpose of “privacy policies” on websites?
A) To increase advertising revenue
B) To provide users with information on how their data is collected and used
C) To restrict access to content
D) To avoid legal penalties for website owners
- Which of the following is a potential negative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs?
A) It creates more manual labor positions
B) It can result in job loss for tasks that can be automated
C) It ensures that all jobs are filled by AI
D) It reduces the need for job training
- What is “digital privacy”?
A) The freedom to use social media platforms without restrictions
B) The right of individuals to keep their personal information secure from unauthorized access
C) The ability to share information freely without concern
D) The act of deleting all personal information from digital devices
- Why is it important to consider “data security” when using cloud services?
A) To enhance user interface design
B) To prevent unauthorized access and protect data from cyber threats
C) To ensure data is stored in physical locations only
D) To minimize the cost of service subscriptions
- What is a common ethical concern with “big tech” companies collecting vast amounts of data?
A) They do not have the resources to manage it
B) The potential for misuse or unauthorized sharing of personal information
C) It ensures complete data transparency to users
D) Data is never collected without user consent
- What does “digital transparency” refer to?
A) The visibility of data encryption methods
B) The practice of making company processes, data use, and privacy practices clear to users
C) The way digital images are stored
D) Using only clear screens on devices
- Which term describes the practice of monitoring and managing online reputations?
A) Digital marketing
B) Reputation management
C) Cloud computing
D) Cybersecurity - What is an ethical reason for implementing data protection laws?
A) To simplify the data-sharing process
B) To protect individuals’ rights to privacy and security
C) To allow companies to bypass user consent
D) To increase data monetization opportunities - What can “phishing attacks” lead to?
A) Improved cybersecurity measures
B) Unauthorized access to sensitive user data
C) Enhanced software development
D) Faster internet speeds
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