Introduction
Chris Sherman (2005) mentions that Google search engine has been designed to be simple to operate and fast to respond with the results of high quality for just about any type of query (p. 20). The same author makes an emphasis on such strong points that contribute greatly to the success and appeal of Google as simplicity, ease of use, high speed, and relevant results (Sherman, 2005, p. 20). However, the question of great urgency is the existence of ethical issues pertaining to Google search engine and there is great necessity to analyze reasonableness of the claims based on ethical ground and their relation to the benefits provided by the analyzed search engine.
Ethical Issues and Relevant Facts
According to the philosophy that inspires the work of Google, its strategy of work is formed on the basis of its two main objectives: its priority is the organization of the information around the world and its motto, the one that reminds of a commandment from the Bible, “Don’t be evil”, which is claimed to be the central pillar of the ethical code of Google.
During more than a decade of Google’s existence in the Web, the strength of its ethical positions has been questioned. The issue of violation of privacy tops the list of ethical issues pertaining to the work of the analyzed search engine. The issue of the violation of privacy is related to Gmail. Google uses specialized software to search the contents of the customers’ e-mails for the purpose of attaching ads based on the content of e-mails. Besides, the issue of privacy also concerns individual privacy of the users in addition to the violation of privacy of their e-mail.
In connection with the introduction of the Chinese version of Google, the issue of accessibility arises. Google has prohibited excess to politically sensitive web sites, which are in disgrace with strict censorship of Communist government of China. Google was accused of collaboration with Chinese government and violation of human rights from the point of view of accessibility of information. In addition, the issue of transparency arises with respect to the US Justice Department and its request for information about the searches done with the help of Google. The list of ethical issues is extended by the issue of private property with respect to scanning of copyrighted material and its availability on websites without authors’ consent.
Evaluation of Ethical Situation
As the previous subsection of the present paper suggests, ethical situation of Google is controversial and non-transparent. The users’ right for privacy of information is violated in case of Gmail. While Electronic Communication Privacy Act (1986) does not allow to monitor the content of e-mails unless there is a reliable reason, such as filtering spam or avoiding the release of confidential information. If we are guided by deontological ethical theory, we can assume that privacy violation can be justified only in case if this violation is for the benefit of the user. Still, attachment of ads to the user e-mails brings no benefit for the users in contrast to Google thus being unethical. Google’s excuse saying that emails are read only by software not living beings cannot be considered a legal excuse as Google fails to fulfill fiduciary duty and acts for its own benefit instead of the user’s one.
In case of Chinese Google, there is no utilitarianism in Google’s policy as it is aimed at the good of government instead of citizens’ good. At the same time, Google’s refusal to cooperate with the Justice Department contradicts the ethical theory of teleology that states that morality of action can be assessed by its outcome. The Child Online Protection Act and this fact accounts for its fairness inspire the actions of the Justice Department.
Besides, Google agrees to collaborate with Chinese government; its rejection of the request of the US Justice Department seems unethical and ungrounded. In addition, Google violates its principle “Don’t be evil” and its reconsideration of the meaning of evil abuses dignity and human rights of the Chinese. As for the violation of copyright and click fraud, unethical position of Google can be proven by lawsuits against them.
Relevant Alternatives
As for the alternatives for Google, which are necessary due to its ethical egoism, Thunderbird can become a strong rival of Gmail, Netvibes can replace Google Reader and Google Personalized Homepage. Zoho Office Suite is comparable with Google Docs and Spreadsheets and such is ThinkFree Online. Quintura can be chosen as a strong search engine that provides a tag cloud to help get appropriate results. A Live Search experiment of Ms. Dewey is a potential rival of Google as well.
Recommendations
Since the web-search offers about a hundred of alternatives for Google and in the light of numerous lawsuits, recommendations are needed for Google to optimize its work so that it could become fair, reliable, and satisfactory. In case with Gmail, ads can be added at random, this will not involve violation of privacy. In case with the US Justice Department, it is necessary to provide it with the necessary information as it does not violate any legal and ethical principle. As for the copyrighted information, each online publication of certain material should be supported by the agreement of the author. The Chinese Google has to bring innovations to its work based on principles of dignity, fairness, and legitimacy avoiding ethical egoism of Chinese government.
Reference List
Electronic Communication Privacy Act. (1986). USA: Florida Law Firm. Web.
Sherman, C. (2005). Google Power: Unleash the Full Potential of Google. Emeryville, CA: McGraw-Hill Professional.