For this paper, choose a contemporary social policy issue that is related to information technology and the
themes we have discussed in this course. We want you to do new research into a topic that interests you,
and formulate a question to debate. You may choose your own topic and question, but here are a few
potential issues in case you need some inspiration:
How should we balance the legitimate security needs of the State against our right to privacy? Should
governmental agencies be allowed to surveil people in the United States in order to detect and stop
terrorists, or track Coronavirus, and if so, what limits do we need to impose on that activity?
What limits should there be on businesses analyzing our purchasing behavior to deliver more targeted
marketing? Should we have an reasonable expectation of privacy when we purchase something?
Should we have an expectation of privacy when we use social media? Should there be any limits to what
social media companies can do with the information we post on their networks?
Should employers be allowed to look at your social media posts or other digital traces when making a
decision about hiring you? What sort of limits might there need to be on this?
Should employers be allowed to surveil their employees digital actions while at work and use those when
determining merit increases and promotions? For example, should they be allowed to monitor how often
you check personal social media sites during the day compared to your co-workers? Or how early you
enter the building using your ID badge, or how quickly you answer emails? What sort of limits might there
need to be on this?
How should we encourage artists to make new art, and enable consumers to find the art they like, in the
era of digital media and high-speed networks? Is DRM and the prosecution of digital piracy the only
possible approach, or are there more creative ways we could accomplish this?
Should we continue to grant software patents in the United States, or do we need to limit the kinds of
software that is patentable? Do software patents as they are practiced lead to more or less innovation?
Sample Solution