Based on the ACM code of ethics, did any unethical misconduct take place in the
ID: 3450691 • Letter: B
Question
Based on the ACM code of ethics, did any unethical misconduct take place in the following case? A software development company has just produced a new software package. It incorporates new tax laws and prepares both individual and small business tax returns. The president of the company knows that the program has a number of bugs. He also believes the first firm to put this kind of software on the market is likely to capture the largest market share. The company widely advertises the package. When the product is shipped, it includes a disclaimer of responsibility for errors resulting from the use of the program. The company expects it will receive a number of complaints, queries, and suggestions for modification. The company plans to use these to make changes and eventually issue updated, improved and debugged versions. The president argues that this is general industry policy: “Anyone who buys version 1.0 of a program knows this and will take proper precautions.” Because of bugs, a number of users filed incorrect tax returns and were penalized by the Internal Revenue. Did the company engage in any unethical misconduct, according to the ACM code of ethics, since the shipped package included a disclaimer of responsibility for errors resulting from the use of the program?
No, because the ACM code does not apply in this case.
No, because the company is legally and ethically protected by the disclosure; the company warned the public about the risks through the disclosure.
No, because clients are responsible for the risks, since they were warned in advance by the disclosure.
Yes, because the company engaged in a risky business which was detrimental (damaging) to the image and the financial status of the company.
Yes, because the company failed to strive to achieve the highest quality and effectiveness in software development.
No, because the ACM code does not apply in this case.
No, because the company is legally and ethically protected by the disclosure; the company warned the public about the risks through the disclosure.
No, because clients are responsible for the risks, since they were warned in advance by the disclosure.
Yes, because the company engaged in a risky business which was detrimental (damaging) to the image and the financial status of the company.
Yes, because the company failed to strive to achieve the highest quality and effectiveness in software development.
Explanation / Answer
Yes, because the company failed to strive to achieve the highest quality and effectiveness in software development.
ACM code 1.2 talks about avoiding harm to others by deveing fault free software. It also says that any faulty software that would result in loss for the customers should be stopped. The company knowing that the software is faulty, still released it and didn't take responsibility for their actions although it ended up in a loss for the customers.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.