In the Spring of 2006 Google Was Extensively Criticized in the Media

question 87

Essay

In the spring of 2006 Google was extensively criticized in the media for revealing the names of some of its Chinese users to the Government of China.Google claimed that they were simply obeying Chinese law and that if they did not they would be excluded from the Chinese market.What philosophical approach(es) to ethics did Google exhibit? Do you think their decision was justified?

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Definitions:

Theory Of Mind

The cognitive ability to understand that others have their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives, distinct from one's own.

Egocentrism

The inability to differentiate between one's own perspective and another person's viewpoint.

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or otherwise sensed, a concept typically developed during infancy.

Self-Control

The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses.