Computer Ethics, Spring 2022

Week 12, Apr 12

Class 12 Readings

Read chapter 4 sections on patents.


Website design

I got selected for a random Loyola covid test. The website wanted to send me a text message, and so wanted my mobile phone number. There was no official opt-out. I did not supply it, and a crisis was averted because they sent me their code by email as well.

(There were multiple other problems with the website, too.)

Ghost guns

Kit-made and 3D-printed firearms are, it seems, involved in a significant number of crimes. However, the apparent vast majority of those crimes are for possession, not use (some ghost guns have been used in violent crimes).

See www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/ghost-guns-sought-by-violent-extremists-tied-to-thousands-of-potential-crimes-feds-warn/2624959.

reason.com/2022/04/11/atfs-new-ghost-gun-rules-are-as-clear-as-mud.

Bitcoin

Not so anonymous after all! www.wired.com/story/tracers-in-the-dark-welcome-to-video-crypto-anonymity-myth.


Debates

Paper 3

(Not so) quick look at Antitrust

First look at Crime

Software Patents

Start with Eolas


Vague and broad patents:

6,865,185

8,793,151

10,826,941