Scrapbook 8 - CST 373

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/15/instagram-criticised-gives-russian-censorship-demands/

Summary:
Instagram recently complied with a request by the Russian government to remove a video posted on their platform. The video posted online by an activist group purportedly showed a Russian oligarch meeting with a high-ranking member of the Russian government in a discussion on US relations. A Russian court ruled that it was a violation of the individuals involved right to privacy and as such asked instagram to take it off of their platform. Instagram complied stating that they attempt to follow any local laws or rulings regarding regulation in general.

The reason this article was chosen:
This article was chosen as it showcases how national governments may be able to still censor and regulate content they wish to restrict even in the era of the greatest flow of information ever  achieved. While the internet opens up the tool for opposition and anti-corruption activists to network and agitate online, major internet-based companies complying with censorship demands may stifle the ability of these groups to utilize the internet to project their ideas and opinions.

Credibility of sources:
The Telegraph is a well known UK-based news publication.

Ethical implications:
As the internet opens up more and more opportunities to connect people and spread differing views and opinions globally, will the censorship imposed by state actors stifle any changes for the better? Should internet-based companies attempt to oppose nations who demand censorship in pursuit of the ideal of freedom of speech, or comply and practically silence dissenters?

Scrapbook 7 - CST 373

https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-07-11/china-may-be-raising-the-great-firewall-too-high

Summary:
While China is known for restricting its citizens’ access to certain information and opinions, it has historically turned a blind-eye to the use of VPNs to bypass their famous “great firewall”. In the past, this ignoring of Chinese people bypassing their restrictions was justified by the thought that only affluent and productive individuals would need use of the VPNs in order to access scientific information, news, or other knowledge inaccessible through the country’s internet infrastructure. However, China has recently decided that they will be shutting down VPNs across the country, thereby destroying one of the most popular ways to bypass the screen of state censorship.

The reason this article was chosen:
While China did blockade most of its users from utilizing much of the world-wide web, there were ways to work around the shutdown and access outside information that was not state-sanctioned.

Credibility of sources:
Bloomberg is a well known and respected media outlet regarding finances, news, and technology.

Ethical implications:
This increase in the amount of censorship that will be established over China will greatly affect the amount of information and opinion available to its people. While the middle and upper classes used to be able to access necessary information through bypassing the “great firewall”, now Chinese citizens may be even more cut-off from the rest of the world and unable to learn or broadcast dissident thought and feelings.

Scrapbook 6 - CST 373

/http://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-netflix-dragon-box-piracy-20180111-story.html

Summary:
Netflix and Amazon have joined a few major Hollywood studios in a lawsuit against the media streaming product Dragon Box. Dragon Box utilizes Kodi software which allows for third-party add-ons that provide easy access to free, pirated materials. While the Kodi software and Dragon Box itself are not illegal, they are accused in the lawsuit of facilitating piracy by making access to pirated material very easy for their clients. The argument is mainly based around the fact that Dragon Box was advertised as a product that would allow for users to leave subscription services such a Netflix and Hulu. Dragon Box officials have responded by saying that they can not be held responsible as the software is simply accessing readily available content online.

The reason this article was chosen:
This article was chosen as it pertains to our discussion this week on issues of copying another's work, as well as highlights the issues with the negative, albeit not direct, consequences creating certain programs can have.

Credibility of sources:
The Los Angeles Times is a long standing and well-respected news source.

Ethical implications:
Dragon Box, and other streaming services that utilize Kodi software, allow people to easily access content available online that may be pirated from its original source. Is the enabling of copyright infringement through the use of one’s product just as unethical as performing the copyright infringement oneself? Or should the fact that the pirated material is simply easily accessible to the Dragon Box’s algorithm make the unauthorized streaming of shows an unfortunate side effect of the reach of the internet?