The ethical dilemmas of cellphone companies operating under authoritarian regimes

  • 📰 IOL
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 61 sec. here
  • 3 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 28%
  • Publisher: 51%

Россия Новости Новости

OPINION: As cellphones have taken over the way we communicate, ethical issues have emerged for cellphone operators, particularly those that work in countries where governments demand information on subscribers, writes Shannon Ebrahim.

As cellphones, text messages and video calls have taken over the way we communicate with one another, ethical issues have emerged for cellphone operators. Particularly companies that work in countries where governments demand information on subscribers, often times with a view to monitoring dissidents and opposition activists.

While MTN has always been categorical in its stated commitment to the core values and principles of the new South Africa, when operating in other countries which do not uphold those same democratic values, it has become an ethical dilemma, especially when the company is pressured to capitulate to the demands of those governments.

MTN has said that it uses subscriber data to help it profile and market to its customer base, and that such data was never supposed to be used to identify and track the activities of individuals. But that did happen, especially during rallies or anti-government protests. But MTN accepts that there are ethical complexities around telecommunications in this new digital environment, and the potential is there for their manipulation for unethical means.

MTN has responded to such allegations saying that, “MTN remains politically impartial in all its operations, including in Swaziland and does not subscribe to any political party, movement or affiliation.” But even during the recent unrest and protests in Eswatini, opposition activists continue to allege that MTN collaborates with the government to monitor their phone calls and block access to the internet.

 

Спасибо за ваш комментарий. Ваш комментарий будет опубликован после проверки

I never thought of meeting a legit bitcoin trader after been scammed many times at my age but the heavens sent shantelll_142 guided me and help me make a living through bitcoin with my LUNO app , I recommend you to meet her now and also be a beneficiary of good work

Bitcoin is real only when you meet the right account manager to instruct you and guide you Since I met Lisagregory1421 my life has really turn around because of his skills in investing bitcoin with an original broker now I can afford what I couldn't few months ago

“Profits vs human rights” that’s your headline

Мы обобщили эту новость, чтобы вы могли ее быстро прочитать.Если новость вам интересна, вы можете прочитать полный текст здесь Прочитайте больше:

 /  🏆 46. in RU

Россия Последние новости, Россия Последние новости