Technology and Ethics

"In contemporary times, social media platforms have emerged as powerful agents in shaping individual and societal attitudes." Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

Medical ethics is particularly relevant in decisions regarding involuntary treatment and involuntary commitment. In view of this, highlighting the importance of medical ethics, discuss the issues in its implementation.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are the District Information Officer (DIO) responsible for managing the official social media handles of the district administration. These accounts are used to disseminate updates, engage with citizens, and provide emergency alerts. During a routine update on a COVID booster drive in a minority-dominated ward, the post attracts a barrage of comments, some hostile, some blatantly communal. Several users accuse the administration of "pampering one community." Others post hate symbols, slurs, and conspiracy theories. You immediately report the worst comments to the platform, but they remain visible for hours. Your junior team suggests turning off comments, but a senior colleague warns: "We don't want to appear like we're silencing citizens, let it run its course." The District Collector advises: "Don't escalate. The post will fade by tomorrow. Don't engage directly, we've been seen worse." The local press begins reporting the online hate as part of "growing digital communalism." Civil society activists tag the district handle, demanding action. Meanwhile, public trust is eroding, and more citizens, especially from the targeted community, have stopped engaging with the administration's page. You are seriously looking for a way to do damage control. 1. What are the ethical issues and administrative responsibilities involved in this case? 2. How should the DIO respond to this situation in a way that upholds public values and protects institutional credibility? 3. Suggest digital communication protocols that can guide public officials in handling hate speech on official platforms.

15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are posted as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Information Technology of a state. The government recently implemented several citizen-centric digital services, collecting large volumes of personal data from residents. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, requires that such data be processed only with explicit and informed consent, and mandates that processing must cease immediately upon withdrawal of consent. During an internal audit, you discover that the department continues to process and analyze personal data of several citizens even after they have formally withdrawn their consent. This data is being used for policy analytics and service improvement, purposes not explicitly disclosed at the time of data collection. When you bring this to the attention of your department head, you are informed that halting the processing will disrupt ongoing digital initiatives and may affect state-level performance metrics. Moreover, you find that the consent withdrawal process is cumbersome, and many citizens are unaware of their rights under the DPDP Act. You also learn that a prominent social activist is planning to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board against involuntary use of personal data, which could attract public scrutiny and legal action against the department. (a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What are the potential consequences for the department if the issue is not addressed transparently? (c) How would you balance the need for efficient public service delivery with the obligation to protect citizens' data rights?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025

Technology and EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

CorruptionEthics in Private and Public Life

How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025

Family, Society and EducationTechnology and Ethics

Educational institutions complement the role of the family and the society in shaping our values. Discuss. Can digital education perform this value inculcation function effectively?

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023

Family, Society and EducationHuman Values

While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2018

Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Ways to tackle slums & encroachments in Urban areas A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud being committed was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentCorruption

Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." In the context of this statement, bring out the ethical issues involved with creating a surveillance state for the sake of national security.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers

Technology and EthicsLaw and Morality

A certain State government was running a welfare scheme for promoting safe motherhood among rural landless laborers' families. The scheme involves the transfer of funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to mitigate income loss due to maternal care responsibilities. Since its implementation, the scheme has done reasonably well on maternal health and economic indicators. You are the Director of the Department responsible for implementing and operating the scheme. Recently you have been receiving reports of welfare fraud being committed by families by producing fake bona fide. The families committed the fraud with the help of local officials responsible for scrutinizing the bonafide. You were concerned because the fraud was seriously undermining the scheme's efficiency. You called for a departmental meeting to discuss and find a solution to the problem. In the meeting, it was decided to merge several available government data sets such as Aadhar cards, voter ID cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates, bank details, and other personal assets. By merging all the data sets, the department would be able to develop the beneficiary's economic profile. And this will help the department scrutinize the documents and detect fraud. This was a comprehensive strategy, but it risked violating an individual's data privacy. As a Department head, you wanted to detect and prevent fraud, but at the same time, you were apprehensive about violating the Data privacy of the stakeholders. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you think violating data privacy is justified to prevent welfare fraud? Why/ Why not? (c) What, according to you, can be the reasons for such welfare frauds happening in the country? (d) Are there any ways and means to prevent such fraud? Give your suggestions.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023

CorruptionEthics in Private and Public Life

Public policy is being increasingly informed by insights from the behavioural sciences. One such behavioural approach is the Nudge theory. It is mainly concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory proposes that the designing of choices should be based on how people actually think and decide, rather than how leaders and authorities traditionally believe people think and decide. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Giving examples, illustrate the difference between enforced change and 'Nudge' techniques? (b) Identify the ethical concerns associated with the nudge technique. Also, suggest ways for using nudging theory ethically.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020

Social Influence and PersuasionDimensions of Ethics

Analyse the ethical implications of using generative artificial intelligence in creative industries.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025

Technology and EthicsCorporate Governance

The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Technology and EthicsAccountability and Ethical Governance

Examine the role of social media in shaping moral and political attitudes in contemporary society. Suggest guiding principles for fostering responsible and ethical social media usage.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers

AttitudeSocial Influence and Persuasion

You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement. However, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood. (a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program? (b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case. (c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025

Technology and EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

While it may seem restrictive, anonymity is one of the greatest strengths of the civil services. Comment in the context of growth of social media in recent times.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Civil Service ValuesImpartiality and Objectivity

Rapid growth of information and communication technology, with all its benefits, has associated risks and far-reaching consequences. The government has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for an inclusive and safe cyberspace in India. The committee has solicited public opinion in this regard. As a concerned citizen, you have to give your suggestions on the following themes: (a) Why do you think some people or a set of people are more vulnerable to cyber threats with special emphasis on cyber-bullying. (b) Do you think the experiences and exposure in cyberspace are an important influence in a person's attitude and behaviour? (c) What reasonable restrictions can be applied to make cyberspace more safe and friendly to all citizens?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2022

Technology and EthicsAttitude

Sunshine electronics is a domestic mobile manufacturer and you are its CEO. Sunshine electronics has made an affordable 5g phone with over 80% domestically sourced components. It has spent a large amount of money for promotion of the phone. General public is excited about the new phone and the company has already received over 1 lakh pre-launch orders from various online shopping portals. The achievement of the company has also received recognition from the highest political level and has been cited as a successful example of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat. The Central Minister of Electronics and Information Technology is the chief guest in the launch event of the new mobile phone. Just a day before the launch of the new phone, you received a call from the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of your company. He informs you that the US has banned Huwu Technologies Pvt. Ltd. from doing business in the USA and a similar ban is expected to be imposed by the EU in the next few days. The ban on Huwu is based on a report claiming that Huwu has been working very closely with the Chinese government and there are technical 'backdoors' in the components made by Huwu that allows it to spy on users of the devices that have these components. The new phone made by your company also uses a chip manufactured by Huwu. To fulfil the pre-orders in the shortest possible time, Sunshine Electronics has also manufactured around fifty thousand devices. Cancelling or postponing the launch event would be embarrassing for political dispensation and financially disastrous for your company. On the other hand, going ahead with the launch would mean potentially risking the privacy and security of your customers. 1) On the basis of this case, identify the various ethical dilemmas involved. 2) What principles of corporate ethics would you consider while taking the decision in this case? 3) Examine various options available with you for handling the issue at hand. What will you do in the given case?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023

Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government

You are the Director of the National Bioethics Commission who is responsible for assessing the ethical feasibility and oversight of a nationwide gene sequencing program. The project named GeneFuture, aims to sequence the DNA of every newborn child and store it in a centralized national database. The objective is to identify genetic predispositions to serious diseases early in life, allowing for preventive treatment and personalized medicine. Over 100,000 babies have already been enrolled in the pilot phase of the program. The government claims that this move is a landmark step in public health advancement. However, collection of newborn genetic data raises significant ethical concerns, particularly around informed consent, which may not fully capture parents' understanding of the long-term risks involved. Once gathered, this sensitive data could be misused for purposes such as surveillance, insurance discrimination, or commercial marketing by third parties. Uncertainty over data ownership—whether it lies with the state, parents, or the individual as they mature—further complicates the issue. The involvement of private tech and pharmaceutical companies heightens fears of commercial exploitation, especially in the absence of clear mechanisms for individuals to withdraw consent or delete their genetic information upon reaching adulthood. (a) What are the ethical issues you perceive in the implementation of the GeneFuture program? (b) Identify the conflicting interests of different stakeholders in this case. (c) What guiding ethical principles would you recommend for implementation of this project?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers

Technology and EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Rashmi is a young IPS officer who is posted as the SP law and order in a district that has a history of communal clashes. During a cultural event, a political leader made certain controversial comments regarding the religion of another community that can potentially harm communal harmony in the district. The representatives of the aggrieved community met Rashmi with their complaint. An FIR was registered in the matter and the police department promptly started an investigation. During questioning, the accused political leader denied the charges. He claimed that he was exercising his right to freedom of expression and had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. He even offered to tender an apology if his statement had hurt someone's religious feelings. However, the aggrieved community was not satisfied with this apology and demanded strict action against the accused. The next day, a video went viral on social media in which the accused political leader can be seen making derogatory statements against another religious faith. However, Rashmi suspects that the video going viral on the internet is a doctored video and someone has mischievously edited it to make it more vitriolic and inflammatory. The video has ignited communal tensions in the district. The accused political leader belongs to an influential community and his community has put their support behind him. Local intelligence has warned that some anti-social elements are trying to use this opportunity to create communal riot in the district. The entire matter has been politicized and is being covered by the national media. In this situation answer the following: a) What differentiates a hate speech from a free speech? b) Why does social media have a very strong influence over the actions and thoughts of its users? c) What is the most suitable course of action for Rashmi in this situation? Justify.

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers

Crisis Decision MakingSocial Influence and Persuasion

Party X has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha. However, because of it falling short of majority in the Rajya Sabha, a large number of its bills are getting stalled in the Upper House. Elections of a key state are around the corner and the party desperately needs to win, for it to secure a majority in the Rajya Sabha. As part of its campaign strategy, the social media head of the party suggests an insidious strategy to make electoral gains. A part of the strategy involves sending out questionnaires online and promoting them using ads. The response filled by people to these online questionnaires will help reveal their key personality traits to the social media team of the party. These behavioral science insights would be important in helping candidates tailor their campaign messages according to the recipient's personality traits. However, because the content of the questionnaire is incendiary and polarizing, the social media team decides to use fake accounts to administer data collection on social media platforms to avoid getting penalised. In addition, the strategy also involves sending out provocative content through online ads and fake news reports. This goes against the spirit of free and fair elections and violates the Election Commission guidelines on multiple levels. As one of the key members of the social media team of the party, you have been entrusted with carrying out this campaign successfully. (a) What are the key ethical issues involved in this case. (b) What is the course of action you would take? Give reasons for your response in a situation like this?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021

Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentTechnology and Ethics

Too much dependence on data driven technologies can result in data colonisation and digital dictatorship. Discuss the various issues that may arise in this context and suggest remedial measures.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Technology and EthicsAccountability and Ethical Governance

Do you think technology can play a role in establishing a value-centric modern society? Critically evaluate.

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025

Technology and EthicsHuman Values

How civil servants must conduct themselves on social media

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Civil Service ValuesCodes of Ethics and Conduct

Modern technology has the potential to not only reinforce existing social biases but also generate discriminatory outcomes. Explain with the help of suitable examples

10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022

Technology and Ethics

Discuss the issue with social Media Head and present ethical issues

Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021

Technology and EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government

Identify the ethical dilemmas faced by Ishita in handling the misinformation crisis. (b) What should be Ishita's course of action in balancing freedom of speech, public order, and government directives? Justify your response. (c) What steps can be taken to prevent misinformation during natural disasters?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper

Crisis Decision MakingEthical Dilemmas in Government

In a metropolitan city of India, the law enforcement authorities decided to adopt facial recognition technology to improve their crime-fighting capabilities. They implemented a facial recognition system that integrated with existing surveillance cameras across the city, allowing real-time identification and tracking of individuals. The system was intended to assist in identifying known criminals, missing persons, and suspects in ongoing investigations. One evening, a woman reported a mugging incident where the perpetrator wore a hoodie, obscuring most of his face. The victim provided a vague description to the police, and based on that information, the authorities decided to use facial recognition technology to locate potential suspects. The system scanned through hours of surveillance footage from various locations near the crime scene. The facial recognition algorithm generated a list of potential matches, and one individual's image stood out as a close match to the description provided by the victim. The police considered this individual a prime suspect and proceeded with his arrest. Subsequently, it was discovered that the arrested person was innocent. Further investigation revealed that the facial recognition system had misidentified the innocent individual due to the limitations of the technology and the partial description provided by the victim. The police released the arrested individual; still his reputation got tarnished for life. He, along with his family, was evicted from their current place of residence. The psychological impact of the incident has been tremendous owing to which his job is also on the line. With reference to this case study, answer the following: (a) What are the issues involved in this case? (b) What measures can be taken to minimize the negative implications of adopting such technologies?

20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023

Technology and EthicsCivil Service Values