Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 12-2-2024
Abstract
This paper examines the ethical and privacy concerns surrounding Facebook's handling of user data, focusing on incidents like the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the implications of targeted advertising. It explores Facebook’s practices through the lenses of ethical egoism, which prioritizes profit maximization, and utilitarianism, which emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. By analyzing the impact of Big Data, microtargeting, and emotional manipulation, the paper critiques Facebook's disregard for user privacy and ethical responsibility. While acknowledging counterarguments that prioritize stakeholder profits, it highlights the risks of user trust and the potential for government regulation. The paper also discusses the ineffectiveness of user-driven boycotts and emphasizes the importance of collective action to demand changes in Facebook’s data policies. It concludes by advocating for a balance between ethical business practices and profitability, urging users to unite for improved privacy protections and accountability in the digital age.
Course Level
BUMG 3100: Business Ethics
Advisor
Claudia Hanrahan, PhD
Recommended Citation
Hughes, Logan, "The Fight for Privacy: Facebook’s Failure to Secure User Data" (2024). Business Ethics. 5.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/business_ethics_3100/5