Case Study : Chapter 5

Questions to consider


1.)   Does sexting represent a form of expression that is protected by the First Amendment?
- It is now a common practice for teenagers to be in constant communication with one another via text messaging. But when a "How are you doing?" turns into a sexual conversation with the exchange of explicit pictures, it is known as sexting. Some prosecutors are using child pornography and other felony charges against teenagers, while others believe sexting is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights. Sexting is, indeed, just another form of expression which should be protected under the First Amendment.


reference: http://www.pointparkglobe.com/opinions/sexting-freedom-of-speech-or-child-pornography-1.1825510#.T7L2ROicCe0

2.)   What can be done to protect people from the dangers of sexting while still safeguarding our First Amendment rights?
-To protect people from the dangers of sexting, they need to :

*Understand why teenagers engage in sexting.
*Learn about the actual dangers of sexting.
*Educate your teen respectfully.
*Adopt a healthy digital environment at home, and engage in appropriate monitoring.


reference: http://www.reputation.com/reputationwatch/articles/how-prevent-teenagers-sexting-and-protect-them-other-teens-who-do



Discussion questions


1.)     Visit the EEF Web site at www.eff.org and develop a list of its current “hot” issues.  Research one EFF issue that interests you, and write a brief paper summarizing EFF’s position.  Discuss whether you support this position and why.
-Patent Busting Project
      *The Patent Busting Project is an Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) initiative challenging patents that the organization claims are illegitimate and suppress innovation or limit online expression. The initiative launched on April 19, 2004 and involves two phases: documenting the damage caused by these patents, and submitting challenges to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The EFF's basic assumption is that many such patents are invalid due to prior art which has historically been difficult to document in software and internet fields. (Many patent owners file patents to cover seemingly trivial concepts without any intention of enforcing the patents, but rather to use as part of a larger patent portfolio in their own defense against potential future patent lawsuits.)


reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_Busting_Project

2.)  What reasons might a firm give for joining and supporting EFF?
-Joining and supporting EFF is the Evergreen Freedom Foundation that helps promote a pro-growth agenda in any country. High growth generally benefits businesses.

3.)  The vice president of public affairs for your midsized telecommunications equipment company has suggested that the firm donate $10,000 in equipment and services to EFF and become a corporate sponsor.  The CFO has asked if you, the CIO, support this action.  What would you say?
-I will say that I will support this action because it helps promote a pro-growth agenda in any country.