Important WGU (QCO1) Ethics In Technology Exam Questions

Answer: A

Explanation:

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) provides a safe harbor provision for internet service providers (ISPs) and online platforms that host user-generated content.

Why DMCA Applies?

Protects ISPs from liability if their users violate copyright laws, as long as they follow takedown procedures.

Establishes a notice-and-takedown system, allowing copyright holders to request removal of infringing content.

Why Not the Other Options?

B . Copyright Term Extension Act -- Extends copyright duration but does not provide ISP protection.

C . Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act -- Focuses on music copyright protections, not ISP liability.

D . Leahy-Smith America Invents Act -- Governs patent law, not copyright infringement.

Thus, the correct answer is A. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) as it provides safe harbor protections for ISPs.

Reference in Ethics in Technology:

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), 17 U.S.C. 512.

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) DMCA Guide.

Litman, J. (2001). Digital Copyright: Protecting Intellectual Property on the Internet.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Confidentiality ensures that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information.

Why Confidentiality Was Violated?

Payroll information is sensitive and should be accessible only to authorized employees.

The erroneous access granted to new hires means private financial information is at risk.

Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in cybersecurity, ensuring that data is accessed only by those who need it.

Why Not the Other Options?

A . Availability -- Ensures systems remain operational, but this case concerns unauthorized access, not system downtime.

B . Accessibility -- Relates to making data usable for authorized individuals, but this case involves an unauthorized access issue.

C . Integrity -- Ensures data remains accurate and unaltered, but the issue here is privacy, not data accuracy.

Thus, the correct answer is D. Confidentiality, as it ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive information.

Reference in Ethics in Technology:

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework.

ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management Systems.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Proxy discrimination occurs when a seemingly neutral variable (e.g., zip code) serves as a proxy for a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status. In this case, the AI uses zip codes to determine learning support for racial segments, introducing unintentional racial bias because zip codes often reflect historical segregation and economic disparities.

Since historical housing policies (e.g., redlining) led to racial and economic segregation, using zip codes as a decision factor unfairly correlates race with access to educational resources---a classic example of proxy discrimination.

Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:

Algorithmic Bias & Fairness (FAT/ML Guidelines) -- AI systems must avoid using proxies that reinforce systemic discrimination.

Civil Rights Laws (Fair Housing Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act) -- Policies that disproportionately harm racial groups violate anti-discrimination laws.

ACM & IEEE Ethics in AI -- Developers must mitigate biases in AI models that result in unfair treatment.

Deontological Ethics & Fairness -- AI systems should not perpetuate historical biases through indirect discrimination.

Thus, the correct answer is C. Proxy discrimination, as zip codes indirectly introduce racial bias into the AI system.

Answer: D

Explanation:

The company honestly discloses its realistic project timeline to the client without misleading or misrepresenting its capabilities.

Why is this ethical?

The company does not engage in deception; it clearly states that it requires four months rather than falsely promising three.

It offers added value by completing the project 20% under budget, which is beneficial for the client.

This aligns with ethical principles of honesty, transparency, and fairness.

Why is this legal?

There is no law requiring the company to meet the three-month deadline if it discloses its timeline honestly.

Misrepresentation would be illegal, but the company truthfully communicates its capabilities.

Why Not the Other Options?

A . Ethical and Illegal: There is no violation of any law.

B . Unethical and Illegal: The company does not engage in fraud or deception.

C . Unethical and Legal: The action is not unethical since it follows principles of honesty and integrity.

Thus, the correct answer is D. Ethical and Legal because the company acts transparently while complying with business ethics and legal standards.

Reference in Ethics in Technology:

ACM Code of Ethics (2022).

IEEE Code of Conduct (2020).

Brenkert, G. G. (2008). 'Marketing Ethics.' Blackwell Encyclopedia of Management.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The H-1B visa program requires employers to pay foreign workers at least 95% of the average salary for their occupation. However, some companies exploit a loophole by misclassifying experienced H-1B workers as entry-level to justify paying them lower wages.

By doing this, the company artificially lowers salary expectations for H-1B workers, avoiding compliance with wage requirements while benefiting from cheaper labor.

Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:

H-1B Wage Regulations (Department of Labor, LCA Requirements) -- Employers must accurately classify workers based on experience level.

Corporate Ethics & Fair Compensation -- Ethical labor practices ensure fair wages regardless of immigration status.

Utilitarian & Deontological Ethics -- Ethical employers should not manipulate classifications to exploit workers.

Whistleblower Protections (H-1B & Immigration Labor Laws) -- H-1B employees can report misclassification and wage exploitation.

Thus, the correct answer is B. Classifying an H-1B worker as entry level when they fill a position of an experienced worker, as it allows employers to pay lower wages unfairly.