As the computer software and hardware industry continues to develop and grow many ethics challenges have come up and had to be dealt with. For example one that sticks out to me as very important is the issue of dealing with the legality of free music downloading and streaming from the Internet. New services such as Spotify, MOG, and Rdio are being introduced to the public and deliver free music streaming online as well as music play integration through social websites such as facebook. This type of website has dramatically hurt the music industry and some say that it should be either taken down or become a pay for music service such as itunes is. I feel that with the current trend in regards to the music industries decline of profits, it is necessary to have these websites charge for their service and some of the revenues to be given back to the studios and artists. This would allow both sides to win as both the website and the music industry would be gaining revenue and becoming more profitable.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/23/tech/web/facebook-music/index.html
This is definitely a majr issue in the industry, especially because free versions of certain computer software applications are available online for the users, which of course, has an impact on the revenues and profits of the industry. However, if every website or firm was to start charging a fee, do you think that there would be a change in consumer attitude? Would there be a decrease in purchasing power, or would they go by this decision and pay the fee willingly?
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that this is a question of ethics. I do feel that it is unethical for internet sources to offer free software downloads without the creators permission, as it is a serious copy write violation. However, I don't think that this problem will ever go away. As the number of illegal downloading sites increases, it becomes easier and easier for consumers to acquire software for free. Although it may be unethical, I think consumers will continue to use free cites rather than paying for software, as long as illegal downloading is available.
ReplyDeleteI think that with the current state of the music industry and the problems it faces with illegal downloading, these new free streaming sites would be a great way to increase profits within the industry. Personally i find Spotify extremely useful and i would be willing to pay for it even if it was not free. But as far as ethics goes with illegal downlading sites I dont think that issue is going to go away especially for computer software because it can be expensive.
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