U.S. federal judge rejects $125 million legal settlement between Google and groups representing authors and publishers. The settlement would have given Google exclusive rights to create the world’s largest digital library.* Taken from ACM TechNews: March 23, 2011.

8-Step Ethical Decision Making Progress 1. One issue is that millions of out-of-print books would be widely accessible. Another issue is that Google should not be aloud to become a monopoly and profit from books without the permission of the copyright owners. 2. The interested parties are Google, the authors of the books, copyright owners, publishing companies, Judge Chin, lawyers of both sides, legal scholars, U.S. Justice Department, and the public. One side is in favor of Google obtaining the exclusive rights. The other side opposes Google obtaining the exclusive rights. 3. Three possible solutions. a) Google is not given exclusive rights. i. Best case outcome - Google is not aloud to profit without the permission of the copyright owners. ii. Worst case outcome – Public does not have access to millions of currently unavailable books. iii. I could not tolerate this outcome.

8-Step Ethical Decision Making Progress b) Google is given exclusive rights. i. Best case outcome – Public has access to millions of currently unavailable books. ii. Worst case outcome – Google profits without the permission of the copyright owners. iii. I could not tolerate this outcome. c) Google is given exclusive rights on books with copyright owners permission. i. Best case outcome – Public has access to millions of currently unavailable books. ii. Worst case outcome – Google approaches the status of a monopoly on information. iii. I could tolerate this. I would choose solution “c”.

8-Step Ethical Decision Making Progress 4. I would be willing to see solution “c” used in any similar case. Solution “c” does treat people as ends rather than means because the copyright owners would be compensated. 5. There does not appear to be any violation of any type of “nature” involved in the solution. As a compromise solution, it is situated between the two extremes of not allowing Google the rights to the books on the one hand and allowing Google the rights to the books without the permission of the copyright owners on the other. 6. There would be a majority agreement that this solution is the most efficient means to the end. Everyone benefits (Google, authors, copyright owners, public, etc.). It will produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

8-Step Ethical Decision Making Progress 7. I am conscientiously committed to this solution. Since I am not personally involved in the situation, there is no gain or loss that would affect me personally as a result of it. This decision is solely mine. I take total responsibility for it. 8. Pragmatism is the most influential philosophy in this decision. The decision involves a compromise and aims to provide the most workable means in producing the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Idealism and Realism are also components of this decision because it is both ideal and natural for the public to have access to literature and information. I consulted the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct during this decision process. The choice I made did not violate the Preamble or the Contents and Guidelines.