The case study discusses the potential ramifications of over-networked systems. One type of companies that pops up directly to my head that could risk public safety if they were managed by over-networked systems and then hacked are the third-party delivery services. Just thinking about what they have access to seems daunting — my email, my phone number, my bank account, my physical address, and so many other “add-ons” based on those information combined. While these data are essential for their business, they probably have to keep these user information somewhere with access to the Internet. However, bank account information and physical address of the users should be guarded really, really carefully. I can still recall the time at the beginning of the pandemic when a delivery driver pounding at my apartment door after I left a negative review. These information are clearly concerning personal and financial safety of their customers. The topics of this case study highlights various ethical concerns our own project need to consider. Since the platform we have in mind (homefood delivery) involves third-party delivery service, the points mentioned above regarding data storage, data privacy, and data safety are all extremely relevant. We also wanted to build connection between our customers (people who order food from our platform) and the home chefs. However, it is critical that we sort out how we want to regulate this process as a platform and how far we would like this to go, so that it does not go against our intention to build community and embrace diversity.
If Sara stayed quiet, or the CEO ignored her, the consultant might never come in to examine their system and identify potential risks. Chad might not realize the “highest-risk, highest-consequence points” until the next, more severe hack take place. And then the next hack, until his family recipe is finally taken. It is indeed a hard decision to go backward, even partially. However, without Sara speaking up, the alternative choice would not even be there. The company would probably continue their investment on security systems, ignoring the “fundamental holes” in their system. By speaking up, Sara challenged the decision high-level executives in the company hierarchical, including the one specialized in information security, as a woman. It seems like she should have stayed quiet according to social expectation, conforming with her technical, hierarchical, and gender roles. Nevertheless, she did. She exhibited great leadership skills when executives hesitated to speak up, and she pinpointed the fundamental problem with seemingly naive technical background. As a woman (a sad addition right there).
