This document discusses some of the legal and ethical issues associated with expanding the use of modern technologies. It proposes allowing University of Phoenix (UOP) students to use the UOP application on their HTC phones. This raises questions about data usage and ownership. The document outlines several relevant privacy laws and policies, including the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act of 1974, Children's Internet Protection Act, and issues around encryption and acceptable use of data.

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Running Head: Legal and Ethical Issues Associated with Modern Technologies
Legal and Ethical Issues Associated with Modern Technologies
Alexander Germosen
AET 531/Technology For The Adult
October 08th, 2012
Professor Danene Mims

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Running Head: Legal and Ethical Issues Associated with Modern Technologies
Legal and Ethical Issues Associated with Modern Technologies
On my technology advance proposal, I thought of the idea of expanding HTC phone
coverage for University of Phoenix (UOP) students. This proposal would allow HTC students to
use the University of Phoenix application on their phone. This will allow HTC Smartphone
carriers to take advantages of the many UOP tools such as e-mailing, chatting, group discussion,
and complete work assignments. I strongly believe that many HTC users such as me would
benefit from having the opportunity to use the UOP online application.
Many privacy policies are currently being written or amended to regulate the appropriate
use and practice of information technology tools and the internet. Many organizations must
abide by these rules or laws. Some of these privacy policies are:
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law that gives you the right to access
information from the federal government. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in
the know about their government.
Privacy Act of 1974 and amended in 1988. This act regulates public and private
entities on the use of personal and public related information. It also stipulates the rights for
individual to protect his or her personal information.
Consumer Privacy Act. This is a very hot topic these days because of the feasibility of
using the internet to purchase items and share information. One of the top priority issue and
objectives include setting limits on government access to personal information and ensuring that
new information and communication technologies are designed in ways that protect rather than
diminish privacy. Still federal regulations are not quite clear when developing baseline standards
for consumer privacy.

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Running Head: Legal and Ethical Issues Associated with Modern Technologies
Legal and Ethical Issues Associated with Modern Technologies
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA): Is a federal law enacted by congress in
early 2001 to regulate access to offensive content over the internet on school and library
computers. The act establishes protection measures such as block or filter Internet access to
pictures that are obscene, child pornography, and harmful to minors.
Some of the legal or copyright reifications I can foresee when implementing or giving
access to University of Phoenix students is data usage and data ownership of communication e-
mails through the Smartphone. The legal question has to do with data usage and who will be
responsible for data usage costs. The University of Phoenix must make it very clear on its
privacy policy the usage of internet data usage while online learning. Most Smart phone carrier
offer limited data usage plans, and consumers are charge heavily when they exceed this data plan
usage limit. The question is whether or not the University of Phoenix is responsible for the over
usage of the student’s data plan. The University of Phoenix must add into its online privacy
policy a clause about the University of Phoenix HTC application and data usage responsibility.

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Running Head: Legal and Ethical Issues Associated with Modern Technologies
Legal and Ethical Issues Associated with Modern Technologies
The other legal aspect with regards to online usage and Smartphone has to do with ownership of
data. Data ownership is a legal matter that has not been clarified hen students use phone oand
other devices that stored them. Smartphones have the same capabilities and functionalities as a
personal computer or laptop computer (email messages, rolodex, documents filings, and
spreadsheets, etc.) In the private business industry, data ownership is crucial because businesses
wants to protect the confidentiality personal data of their customers. The University of Phoenix
is also responsible for protecting the data and personal information stored in their server and
computers. The question is if learners have any ownership over their own data. Or will the
university of Phoenix claim that this is owned by the University and cannot be shared,
distributed, or returned to its respective authors or owners. There are some Smartphone models
for which you can select and enforce encryption of the data stored on them.
Acceptable Use Policy: Employees should note that any data and information shared or stored
on the system server or personal phones will not be deemed personal or
private. All communication and information transmitted by, received
from or stored in these systems are the property of the University of
Phoenix and, as such, are intended to be used for educational related
purposes only.

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Running Head: Legal and Ethical Issues Associated with Modern Technologies
References
.http://www.axi.ca/tca/nov2004/policiesandpractices_2.shtml
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act
http://www.justice.gov/opcl/privstat.htm
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/smartphones/legal-considerations-regarding-smartphone-use
for-business/2481