Hackers Plan Space Satellites to Combat Censorship By: David Cocke ACM TechNews: 01/04/12 Source: BBC News (12/30/11) David Meyer Website:

Summary A group of Hackers is planning on launching communication satellites into orbit to create a internet that cannot be censored by any government.

Ethical Decision-Making Description of the Ethical Issue: Lost of internet privacy Uncontrolled Property Lost Parties involved: General Population – Many would like the internet uncensored, while others would like to just see less. Government - Government would not want to see a hacker controlled/uncensored internet. Property Holders - Most would not like to see a censor free internet since this could lead to a lost in property.

Possible Solutions: The hacker group makes an uncensored internet: Best Case: The internet is just used for people to communicate Worst Case: The internet is used to download copyright material and other illegal activities that law enforcement can not regulate and leads to people losing money. The hacker group does not make an uncensored internet: Best Case: Nothing Changes Worst Case: Hacker retalliate cause they believe it was stopped by the government or corporations. The hacker groups makes an uncensored internet but regulates its themselves and agrees to give information to law enforcement if needed: (I would chose this one) Best Case: The internet is used by people, properly regulated and any unlawful activities is given to law enforcement. Worst Case: The internet is used by people and the hackers can not regulate it leading to basically the same situation we have now the current internet.

Would you be willing for everyone to be permitted to use your solution? Yes, It has the possibility of satisfy everyone and it treats people as the ends. Nature of Solution: Human Nature: It protects the interests of people. This solution would not benefit the hackers as much since their would not get a fully uncensored internet. Would it be a popular solution? Probably not, since it doe not give the hackers the completely uncensored internet. Solution Commitment I am fully committed to this solution because it has a chance of benefiting everyone, which is way I chose it. Belief System: Pragmatism, because it is a solution that could completely change the internet as we know it and benefit the most people.

ACM Code of Ethics Follows Be fair and take action not to discriminate Contribute to society and human well-being Violations that may happen: Avoid harm to others Honor property rights Give proper credit Respect the privacy of others Honor Confidentiality