CSC 379 SUM2008:Week 4, Group 4

What if every page you print from a color printer were labeled with a hidden code, detailing the printer the page was printed from, the date of printing and the time of printing, down to the minute? What if this feature was intentionally hidden from the user and could not be disabled? What if the code could be viewed and decoded by anyone, not just law enforcement? These hidden tracking codes exist – examine the ethical considerations they pose. Should users be informed of the feature? Should users be able to disable the feature? Develop ethical arguments for both positions.

• http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/surveillance/2008-07-13-printer_N.htm
• http://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/

http://www.eff.org/pages/list-printers-which-do-or-do-not-display-tracking-dots