CIS 500 Discussion Response

CIS500 discussion post responses.

VT Post states the following:

“IT Ethics and Responsible Conduct”

Recently, a  US Circuit Court upheld the enforceability of Website Terms of Service (ToS) , even though the user did not have to click-through to agree.

1. Identify one positive and one negative implication of this finding.

Positive – These apps make it easy to access a service whether it a ride with uber or ordering a pizza.  In this case, the positive aspect is that the user was able to access the service without having to read through the whole contract or the fine print, which is not always a good idea. If you are stranded and need a ride, there is not a lot of time to read the whole contract because of the situation.  When you agree to use a service, you are agreeing to the provider’s terms

Negative-  There are so many websites offering so many services and if you are not willing to read the contract before agreeing to use the service, then you are opening yourself up to litigation or lawsuits.  Just by clicking a button, you can be agreeing to more than you bargain for.  The use of “Clickwrap” or “Browsewrap” agreements may be confusing for some older people who are not very savvy about using smartphone apps.  This ruling makes it easy for a service provider to place whatever they want in their contract because they think most people are not going to really read the whole contract anyway.

2.      What terms do you believe are ethically appropriate for such agreements? Explain your position.

I believe that when I click on a website or app to register for an account, I am agreeing to abide by the rules that site has in place, so by clicking on the “I agree” clause or button, I are entering into an agreement, which includes the terms set by the service provider.  Failure to read the terms and conditions is my error, not theirs.

I do not think it is right to assume that terms are unambiguous to every user because America has so many citizens whose first language is not English and some of the terms used in any agreement can be misunderstood or may be confusing to them. In such cases, I terms should be made short and clear for everyone.  The main terms like agreeing to pay the said price for the service and abiding by rules of conduct set forth by the provider, are two of the main terms that should be made clear on the home screen of the website or an app.

Have a great week everyone,

Veda Thomas

JH Post states the following:

“IT Ethics and Responsible Conduct”  Please respond to the following:

Recently, a  US Circuit Court upheld the enforceability of Website Terms of Service (ToS) , even though the user did not have to click-through to agree.

· Identify one positive and one negative implication of this finding.

· What terms do you believe are ethically appropriate for such agreements? Explain your position.

One positive about this ruling is that people are held accountable. Its no different then when you purchase a house, car, or bank account. You sign paperwork without fully reading the 100 pages, you walk into a bank and open an account and the next day you are receiving sales calls. Even though they did not click through they still signed up. No matter what if you did not or do not read terms of service, you have willing signed up. We sue for everything and use a ignorance is bliss mentality, to act like the victim. When you download these apps and participate by using them, you have to wonder why do they need access to my pictures, camera, documents, and etc… 9 out of 10 times in somewhere in there terms of service. I like how Windows 10 uses the terms of service. If you do not accept then you cannot load Windows 10.

One negative is accountability is a two way street, between both parties of an agreement. Basically this gives way for companies to do whatever they want, then say, “well you registered/signed up/used the app”. This makes way for you having to trust the companies ethics, and does not necessarily make them protect your information, or be clear of their intent. There are regulations for certain industries, and types of information, but it is not always clear which industries fall under these regulations. Case in point there is no regulation on tax, and accounting offices per say, yet often they have the same information about you as your doctor’s office, and bank. Do they fall under the HIPPA and HITECH or at least they do not have a regulatory group making sure the information is protected.

We are in the Age of Technology and convenience has made us comfortable, and security lax. When this a time when our awareness should be heightened. Information is the most valuable resource, and even though it is collected it doesn’t have to be used today. It can be saved and used five years or twenty years down the road.