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Question: Semi-hypothetical ethical dilemma!?
I say semi-hypothetical because the first part actually happened!.
Situation: a while back, AOL accidentally released the "google type" search strings of a bunch of users!.!. It's a funny story and there were some interesting ones but for this example, we will use this!.!. One of the users repeatedly searched for information on how to kill a person's wife, how to dispose of bodies, etc!.
If AOL had noticed that and told the police\fbi\whoever, should law enforcement be able to arrest the man!? Or should they maybe just warn his wife!? or should they just put him under surveillance until he breaks the law!? etc!.
Just wondering what the general opinion was!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
this is an invasion of privacy!. i'm not totally sure about this specific case, but i'm willing to bet, you first need a warrant to access this information about a person!. and so you would need a prior reason to justify a warrant!.
this is to protect people from being spied on by the government/police for the personal ends of these facilities, either by the government eliminating our freedom of speech, or specific individuals using the equipment for their own ends!.
except after the murder checking such records would definitely be allowed!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
I don't think there's an actual crime there!.!.!. I mean the guy could argue it was just research for a book or whatever!. But beyond that, let's say he was actually considering on killing his wife you cannot take action based on what a subject thinks!. Punishing thoughts would become really arbitrary and dangerous, not to mention everyone would let's say "brake the law" even if it's by considering of driving through a red light!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
searching murder isn't a crime unless you attempt it or achieve it!.!.!.!.!.!.but still very interesting question!. Could be debatable!.Www@QuestionHome@Com