1. Think of an act, other than those already discussed in this module, that would constitute a violation of privacy in computing. Explain.

a. Cyberstalking (Online harassment).: A stalker willfully, maliciously and repeatedly knocked at the door of an actress and gunned her down. The stalker had tracked the actress using computer data banks (violation of privacy) that informed him of her address, telephone number, kind of car she drove and other data. In terms of distance, the stalker may be physically far from the actress but the computer electronically made him feel near her. Cyberstalking is an electronic extension of the real life form of stalking. As a reaction to this act, an internet victim can be stricken with fear. Cyberstalking can get to the point where the harasser can cast messages of hate, obscenity and be able to trace the phone number and address.

Analysis: The right to privacy of the actress was violated because the stalker was able to track her important data like address, telephone number and others through the internet. It caused a tragic end because the actress was gunned down.

b. Shelter Clinic A established a system that linked its branches with a web page and can e-mail to people it is trying to protect. Unfortunately, because of limited security measures and/or devices incorporated into the system, Person-1 was able to break into the record of a patient/client and find out who are staying at these shelter clinics.

Analysis: This is a violation of privacy because Shelter Clinic A has the responsibility to protect patients/clients, keep them safe and secured until they leave the place. It has a weak system that what was easy to break into. One possible result is that a husband or father will be able to locate his wife or children and do further harm to them. Shelter Clinic A can be charged of failing to protect its patients/clients. The clinics should be a place for protection and security. If it does allow an easy way to get or access the names of patients/clients through the web page they betray these people whom they have sworn to help.

The act of Person-1 in which he was able to break into the record of a patient/client is a violation of privacy. Person-1 could have furnished false or misleading information or identification in order to access another user’s account.

c. A manager responded to one incoming email message of his staff without the knowledge of the latter. Unknown to the staff his messages were being monitored by the manager.

Analysis: The interception of email messages in transit or during transmission is a violation of privacy. People have a right to have their privacy protected and ii is illegal to intercept an electronic or wire communication while in transit.

d. Privacy of Information: Attempt to access files of another user without permission or to access computer facilities, networks, programs or data without authorization are violation of privacy.

Analysis: Information stored on a computer system or sent electronically over a network is the property of the individual who created it. Examination of information without permission or authorization from the owner is a violation of the owner’s rights to control his own property.

e. There are some companies who gather information from people who visit their website. The website is able to locate where a person is coming from and what programs the person is using. A web site operator with the right equipment and desire can gather personal and detailed information without the knowledge of the person.

Analysis: The information gathered can be sold to marketing companies. This is also a violation of privacy where the individual involved can be harmed, bothered or disturbed by these marketing companies.