Topics for CS 105 Final Projects/Papers

1) What ethical issues are raised (or will be raised) by AI (artificial intelligence research)? If we succeed in making intelligent machines, do we have the right to command them? (Read K. Capek's play R.U.R and discuss it in your paper.)

2) Explore computer liability issues. If a computer system fails, who is responsible? What is the law? Identify high risk applications and discuss strategies for software verification and quality control for projects.

3) Explore issues surrounding personal privacy and database management. Is it legal for companies to store absolutely any and all information about individuals? What responsibilities do companies have to make sure information is correct? Can States sell DMV records to private companies? What proposals in Clinton's "Patient's Bill of Rights" are relevant to this discussion?

4) Computers and the Government. It's been said that you don't have to worry about "Big Brother" watching you--it's all those "Little Brothers" one has to look out for! What information can and ought the government keep on individuals? How do computer systems assist law enforcement and help to prevent crime or catch criminals? Do these systems go too far? Are individual rights violated? Do we live in an "information prison"?

5) Read Peter Neumann's, Computer-Related Risks. Give examples of incidents that you find disturbing and explain why wyou find them disturbing. What actions can be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Find at least 1 additional computer-related failure reported in the news during the last 6 months. (Be sure it's computer related.)

6) Imagine that you want to be a "cyber cop" making cyberspace safe for ecommerce. Survey American Universities to see what academic programs exist to help someone prepare for such a career. Is there anything adequate? If not, design your own academic program. What courses would be required? What skills would you need to attain? What are possible graduate certifications that might be useful (e.g. CISCO certification). What internships would be useful. Be specific and detailed as possible to get credit for this assignment.

7) Read and report on the ethics of "persuasive technologies." Use the articles in the Communications of the ACM, May, 1999. What are the ethics involved? Should there be legislation to regulate this technology or should the industry be allowed to regulate itself?

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