Veil of Censorship : Veil of Censorship Case 2.7:
The case : The case Websense plans for prospective client: Saudi Arabian government
The product: software that blocks internet users’ access to specific content
Prohibited sites include
Pornography and other adult content
Content critical of Islamic religion or Saudi regime
Ex: Committee for the Defense of Human Rights in the Arabian Peninsula
Should Websense develop a product that helps suppress free speech in Saudi Arabia? : Should Websense develop a product that helps suppress free speech in Saudi Arabia? If product development proceeds:
Websense remains profitable
Company employees keep jobs
Employees families are cared for
Saudi residents’ internet access is restricted and free speech is suppressed
Consider Greatest Benefit : Consider Greatest Benefit Software will be developed by someone else if not Websense, so free speech will be suppressed either way
Saudis will have the same outcome whether or not Websense participates
Websense could participate to ensure continued company and employee well-being
Consider Cultural Values : Consider Cultural Values Saudi Arabian government allows for censorship of internet access
Government is not strongly opposed by majority of citizens
Assume Saudi cultural values and ethics allow for this censorship
How do we determine if this is the will of the people or that of an oppressive regime?
Should it even be considered – should we question Saudi system of social order?
Consider Integrity : Consider Integrity Websense is part of American culture, holds same values
American values/ethics oppose censorship and suppression of free speech
Company should adhere to its own moral values to maintain integrity
Personal View : Personal View Respect for cultural autonomy
Investigate possible “human rights” violations while respecting cultural values
Maintain integrity by operating business according to ethical principles, even if profit suffers
Ensure employee security by pursuing other software development opportunities