Ethical and Practical Implications of Modern Technologies

Posted on Mar 18, 2025 in Business Administration and Innovation Management

Case 1: Canadian Oil Sands

Oil sand is composed of grains of quartz sand, surrounded by a layer of water and clay, and then covered in a slick of heavy oil called bitumen.

Alberta’s oil sands, considered the largest single deposit of oil in the world, are contained in three areas: Athabasca, Cold Lake, and Peace River. They are believed to have formed many millions of years ago, when Alberta was covered by a tropical sea.

Oil is removed by two methods: surface mining and in situ technology.

Surface mining: Removal of forest and layers of overburden to expose oil sands. Bitumen is separated from sand using a hot water extraction process.
In situ technology: Used when oil sands cannot be recovered by surface mining, this process accesses deeper oil deposits.

The Canadian economy and employment are significantly tied to oil sands development. Canada was able to recover from the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 due, in part, to the oil sands.

There is ongoing debate regarding the Keystone XL pipeline, proposed to transport oil from Alberta to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Former President Obama rejected the proposal, and the company that proposed Keystone is suing to overturn his decision. Three other pipeline proposals are under consideration. The price of oil has dropped since Keystone was first proposed.

Cons of Oil Sands

Environmental concerns include potential harm to the regional and global environment (GHG emissions, air pollutants) and the local environment (tailings ponds, compromised ecosystems, biodiversity, water quantity, and surface land disturbance).

Oil sands produce more GHG than conventional forms of gasoline and heating oil. As an unconventional oil source, oil sands are difficult to extract, resulting in relatively high costs per barrel. They are sometimes referred to as “dirty” oil, particularly in reference to the Alberta tar sand oil disaster. Extraction can also hamper traditional Aboriginal lifestyles.

Case 2: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genomes have been altered at the molecular level, usually by inserting genes from unrelated species in a way that does not occur naturally. This is done to achieve desired physiological traits.

93% of soy grown in the US is genetically modified.
There has been a 9000% increase in acres of GMO crops planted worldwide.
By 2050, the world will need to produce 70% more food, including an additional billion tons of cereals, to keep up with population growth.
The global population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050.

Pros of GMOs

Health: Food can be altered to provide higher nutritional content. For example, Golden Rice was genetically engineered to provide 20-50% of the daily vitamin A requirement, helping to address malnutrition in developing countries where children often go blind due to vitamin A deficiency.
Economy: High crop yields and productivity reduce production costs. GMOs can improve the aesthetic appeal of food. Monsanto, a major seed producer, has sales of up to $22 billion. GMOs create jobs and feed a new global market.
Environment: Implementing pest-resistant genes decreases the use of pesticides and herbicides. Crops can be made resistant to high-stress environments such as droughts, cold weather, and salinity.
Laws & Regulations: GMO labeling is required in all developed countries except North America.
Social Impact: GMOs can help underdeveloped countries suffering from malnutrition. Genetic engineering is already used in medicine to save lives (e.g., insulin production for diabetes treatment). GMOs are a potential solution to feeding a growing population.

Cons of GMOs

Health: The long-term effects of consuming GMOs are still unknown. Peanut allergies doubled between 1997 and 2002. Currently, 1 in 17 children under 3 have developed food allergies.
Economy: Poor countries cannot necessarily afford GMOs, as they are expensive.
Environment: Certain weeds and pests can become resistant to GMO crops, leading to increased pesticide and herbicide use. GMOs are a threat to biodiversity by creating a polluted gene pool. GMO foods produce 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than organic food. Over-exploitation threatens ground source nutrients, hydrological, and carbon cycles.
Laws & Regulations: Farmers can be sued by large corporations if their crops contain GMO traits due to natural cross-pollination.
Social Impact: In the US, where GMO labeling is not practiced, people are unsure about the safety of GM foods and are less likely to buy them. GM foods are sometimes referred to as “Frankenfood,” “fool’s gold,” or a “Trojan horse.” Concerns exist that humans are interfering with the laws of nature. Despite the potential to feed growing populations, world hunger persists due to political and economic issues related to the use and distribution of GMOs.

GMO Alternatives

Companies like Monsanto, Bayer, and Syngenta are exploring RNA spraying as an alternative to directly altering crop genes. RNA interference is a method to temporarily turn off the activity of specific genes, particularly those vital for insect survival. Spraying RNA on plants would cause insects that eat them to die. This allows for control of specific traits without creating a GMO. However, while RNA may be natural, introducing large amounts of targeted RNA molecules into the environment raises concerns.

Social Activities Against GMOs

Vandana Shiva accuses multinational corporations like Monsanto of attempting to impose “food totalitarianism” worldwide. She states, “You cannot insert a gene you took from a bacteria into a seed and call it life. You haven’t created life; instead, you have only polluted it.”

Case 3: Space Exploration

With the growing population and changing global climate, scientists are investigating the possibility of future life on other planets. NASA has launched missions to gather information on planetary habitability. However, these missions require significant resources (cost, fossil fuels), and colonization efforts are hampered by a lack of legal framework regarding property rights. The question arises: should we invest resources in a potential solution to save mankind, or should we focus on solving the existing problems on Earth?

Pros of Space Exploration

Exploration and living on Mars is a potential solution to preserve mankind.
Living on Mars should be considered a backup plan in case of catastrophic events on Earth.
We could start anew and learn from our mistakes on Earth to create a sustainable livelihood on Mars.

Cons of Space Exploration

Many failed missions result in a waste of billions of dollars and natural resources.
Escaping the reality of Earth’s issues like pollution and climate change may lead to repeating the same mistakes on Mars.
Exploitation issues: Mining for profit and disturbing potential Martian life forms to meet human needs (or greed).
Ownership issues: The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 states that no one and everyone owns Mars. Who is responsible for the actions of individuals on Mars? How will social conflicts between people of different nationalities be addressed?
Mental health: Fear, anxiety, stress, loneliness in darkness, and uncertainty about a safe return.
Funding: Televising Mars missions, similar to the Olympics, could generate revenue but would violate individuals’ rights to privacy.
Risks: Resource depletion, lack of goods imported from Earth due to transportation breakdowns, unknown illnesses on Mars, and irregular food production.
Crew Selection: Selecting individuals who can live together in a confined space for extended periods is crucial. NASA even includes genetic screening to ensure crew members are not vulnerable to certain diseases and do not possess mutant forms of genes or a predisposition to develop disorders. Appendectomies are performed as precautionary surgery, but even this exposes individuals to sepsis, a condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.
Galactic cosmic radiation: Deep space has radiation from various sources, posing a significant risk to astronauts, increasing the chances of cancer, central nervous system disorders, degenerative tissue risks, decreased fertility, and other health issues.

Case 4: Drones

Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles or aircraft systems operated by a human pilot via remote control or by a computer program.

Drones are used in marketing, delivery (Amazon, Google), construction, photography services, real estate, military applications, agriculture, and more.

Pros of Drones

Commercial: Fast delivery of parcels and enhanced industry security (e.g., monitoring oil leaks, facilitating journalism, and providing media access to hard-to-reach places).
Governmental: Performing rescue missions in natural disasters and war zones, delivering food and medicine to conflict areas, and security surveillance (tracking vandalism and terrorist attempts).
Military: Eliminating the need for piloted jets and enabling precise and unpredictable attacks.
Civilian: New innovations in photography and cinematography, affordable security systems for personal properties, and general recreational use.

Cons of Drones

Commercial: Potential for use in the black market (illegal drugs), job loss in physical delivery services, and lack of liability for product damage during drone delivery.
Governmental: Invasion of personal privacy and the omnipresence of government surveillance.
Military: Dehumanization of human life and vague rules regarding drone strikes and the definition of militants in US military operations.
Civilian: Landing safety issues (crashes, forest fires, and damage to ecosystems), and the potential for stalking, trespassing, and spying.

Ethical Improvements for Drone Use

Invasion of privacy: The line between security and privacy is thin, requiring compromise.
Fairness in wars: Drone strikes should only be permitted when more precise methods for differentiating between militants and civilians are developed.
Regulation: Stricter regulations are needed regarding drone noise and air traffic control. Drone owners should pass more rigorous tests to obtain permits.
Technological improvements: Further technological advancements are necessary, particularly regarding safe landings in case of crashes, to ensure the safety of the population.

Case 5: Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Machines have been invented to automate many tasks previously performed by humans.
In recent decades, rapid advancements in the internet, sensing, robotics, and artificial intelligence have expanded automation beyond simple tasks.

Answering Panel Questions

What is Artificial Intelligence?
1. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a fast-moving technology that enables machines to perform tasks that previously could only be done by humans.
What types of industries/jobs are being automated? Describe one that has been or has the potential to be enabled by artificial intelligence.
1. AI threatens workers in various fields, from radiologists to legal clerks.
In 2016, AlphaGo beat the world champion Go player. Discuss the significance of this. What are the characteristics of this AI? How does it differ from past AI?
1. The complexity of Go meant that computers were not expected to master it for another decade.
2. This demonstrated that “Progress is real. Results are real. It works.”
What do people fear about AI? What are some potential downfalls of AI?
1. AI could make millions of workers redundant, leading to increased inequality.
2. Middle-class jobs could vanish.
3. Economic mobility could cease.
4. Some believe AI poses an existential threat to humanity.
The fear of technology replacing human labor is not new. What is the historical perspective on this?
1. In 1821, David Ricardo expressed concern about “the influence of machinery on the interest of the different classes of society” and the “opinion entertained by the labouring class, that the employment of machinery is frequently detrimental to their interests.”
How has AI affected education, and what do you think the role of education is in the adoption of AI in the future?
1. AI has enabled online courses with short video lectures, discussion boards, and automated grading systems.
2. Technological progress, particularly AI, will require significant changes in how education is delivered.

Pros of AI

Improved education.
Increased individual worker productivity, leading to lower prices for many goods, increased demand, and a need for more workers.
Transformation of transport and urban life, starting with self-driving vehicles.
Enhanced communication with a wide range of things (homes, cars, people speaking other languages).
Significant advancements in scientific and medical research.

Cons of AI

Potential for unexpected and widespread job losses.
The possibility of technology becoming uncontrollable.
The potential for AI to harm humanity.
(*) All cons are related to the rapid rate of technological change.

Case 6: Columbia River Treaty

Signed between the USA and Canada in 1964, the treaty will expire in 2024.
The treaty addressed flood control and power generation concerning the Columbia River, which flows through one Canadian province and seven American states.
The treaty required Canada to build three new dams (Keenleyside, Duncan, and Mica) and the US to build one.
These dams were built to optimize flows for hydroelectric power and flood control in both nations.
The majority of the benefits were located in the USA.
In return for building the dams, Canada was compensated by the US:

The US pays Canada half of the estimated flood control benefits provided by the dams (until 2024, when the flood control agreement expires; afterward, the US will pay operating costs and refund economic losses).
The US pays Canada half of all downstream hydroelectric benefits generated.

The treaty neglected public input in the decision-making process, environmental concerns, First Nations rights, and compensation for people living in the river area.

Case 7: Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is very environmentally friendly, emitting no CO2.

The reaction involves nuclear fission (splitting the nucleus) of uranium. The energy obtained is stored in the atom’s nucleus.

Pros of Nuclear Energy

Low Pollution: No CO2 or methane is emitted.
Low Operating Costs: Nuclear power produces very inexpensive electricity. The cost of uranium, used as fuel, is low. While the cost of setting up nuclear power plants is moderately high, the cost of running them is quite low. The average lifespan of a nuclear reactor is 40-60 years.
Reliability: It is estimated that, at the current rate of consumption, we have enough uranium for another 70-80 years. Nuclear power plants can run uninterrupted for a year, unlike energy sources like wind and solar.

Cons of Nuclear Energy

Environmental Impact: The process of mining and refining uranium is not clean. Transporting nuclear fuel to and from plants poses a pollution hazard.
Radioactive Waste Disposal: A significant amount of radioactive nuclear waste is produced. This waste must be stored in special facilities to prevent harm to people.
Nuclear Accidents: Accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima raised serious environmental concerns and had harmful effects on humans and the ecology.

Case 8: Cybersecurity

Apple & the FBI: The FBI ordered Apple to create a software tool to eliminate specific security protections built into its phone software to protect customer data. The government sought access to devices even when they used secure encryption. This raised privacy concerns as it did not require user approval.

Article 1: How to Build a Safer Internet of Things: The Internet of Things (IoT) allows us to connect all our gadgets.

Hackers attacking these systems aim to take control of devices, steal information, or disrupt service. Gadgets using the IoT are embedded systems, requiring specialized security to protect against specific attacks. A better approach involves focusing on what to omit from embedded security systems as much as what to include. Two security approaches are: firewalls as an immediate solution for vulnerable items and data encryption (passwords, etc.).

To enhance IoT security, product manufacturers can integrate a device-management agent into their products. This software would enable communication with a security management system.

Article 2: Ashley Madison Hackers: Hackers exposed the online identities and sexual preferences of millions of adulterers. This represents a shift in hacking behavior. These individuals are targets because they possess valuable information. A strong underground economy exists for this type of information.

Article 3: NSA Surveillance: Germany is leading efforts to shield local Internet communications from foreign intelligence services. “National routing” aims to handle data generated in Germany and destined for or used by local end users using fiber-optic cables, routing gear, and computers within the country. The goal is to avoid sending data packets through nodes in the United States and the United Kingdom, thus avoiding NSA surveillance.

OIQ Code of Ethics

Duties and Obligations Towards the Public

Engineers must respect their obligations to the public and be responsible for the consequences of their work on the environment, life, health, and property of every person.
They must improve the quality and availability of their professional services and promote educational measures in their field.
They must notify the OIQ or persons responsible for work that may be dangerous.
Their opinions on engineering matters must be based on sufficient knowledge.

Duties and Obligations Towards Clients

Engineers must consider the extent of their aptitudes and available resources before accepting a mandate.
They must retain the services of experts after obtaining their client’s authorization.
They must refrain from practicing under conditions that could impair the quality of their services and must acknowledge their client’s right to consult another engineer, offering cooperation to the latter.

1. Integrity

Engineers must fulfill their professional obligations with integrity.
They must inform their client of the extent, terms, and conditions of the mandate and obtain their agreement.
They must refrain from giving contradictory or incomplete opinions or advice and from presenting ambiguous documents.
They must inform their client of any errors in their mandate.
They must take reasonable care of property entrusted to them by a client and may not lend or use it for other purposes.
When their opinion is ignored in a technical engineering problem, the engineer must clearly indicate to their client, in writing, the potential consequences.
They must not tolerate dishonest or doubtful practices and never pay or undertake to pay rebates or commissions to obtain a contract.
They must be impartial in their relations between their client and contractors.

2. Availability and Diligence

Engineers must show availability and diligence and provide their client with explanations necessary to understand the services provided.
An engineer may not cease to act for a client unless they have reasonable grounds, such as a conflict of interest, illegal, unfair, or fraudulent acts, or when the client ignores the engineer’s advice.
Before ceasing to exercise their functions, the engineer must give advance notice of withdrawal within a reasonable time.

3. Seal and Signature

Engineers must affix their seal and signature on the original and copies of every engineering plan, consultation, report, layout, study, drawing, and specification prepared by themselves or prepared, signed, and sealed by another engineer.

4. Independence and Impartiality

Engineers must subordinate their personal interest to that of their client and ignore any intervention by a third party that could influence the performance of their professional duties.
They must never accept any benefit or rebate in money from a supplier of goods or services related to engineering work performed for a client.
In a situation of conflict of interest, the engineer must notify their client and ask for authorization to continue their mandate.
They must share their fees only with a colleague for the purpose of distributing services and responsibilities.
In carrying out a mandate, the engineer shall act only for their client. They shall accept payment of their fees only from their client or their representative.

5. Professional Secrecy

Engineers must respect (and never use against clients) any confidential information obtained, releasing it only with the authorization of the client or by law.

6. Access to and Correction of Records and Release of Documents

Engineers must act no later than 30 days following receipt of any request made by their client to: examine and obtain copies of documents concerning them in any record, correct inaccurate, incomplete, or ambiguous information, delete outdated or unjustified information, and place written comments in the record.
They may charge their client a reasonable fee (after informing them) not exceeding the cost of reproduction.
An engineer who refuses access to information must provide written reasons for the refusal.
Upon written request, an engineer shall send a copy of such information to the client without charge.

7. Determination and Payment of Fees

Engineers must charge and accept fair and reasonable fees that correspond to the services rendered. Factors to consider include responsibility, time, difficulty, and unusual services.
They must inform the client of the cost of services and terms of payment. They may request a deposit but not advance payment.
They must provide clients with all necessary explanations to understand statements of fees and payment terms.

Duties and Obligations Towards the Profession

It is disrespectful to the dignity of the profession to: participate in the illegal practice of the profession, pressure individuals to use their services, communicate with a complainant without permission, take legal action against a colleague before seeking conciliation, refuse to appear at the syndic’s office upon request, or fail to notify the syndic of an engineer’s infringement of regulations.
Engineers must participate in councils for arbitration, discipline committees, or professional inspection committees when requested by the Order, unless they have exceptional grounds for refusal. They must answer all questions.
They must never abuse a colleague’s good faith, be disloyal, or willfully damage their reputation.
They SHALL NOT: take credit for a colleague’s work, use their position as an employer to limit an engineer’s professional independence, or induce a colleague to violate laws and regulations.
When asked to examine or review another engineer’s work, they must notify the engineer concerned and ensure their mandate has terminated.
They must notify the colleague they are replacing and ensure the latter’s mandate has terminated.
An engineer collaborating with a colleague must retain their professional independence. If a task goes against their conscience or principles, they may ask to be excused.
They must not refuse to collaborate with a member of the Order based on race, color, sex, religion, national, ethnic, or social origin.
They should share knowledge and experience with colleagues and students, and participate in continuing training.

Obligation Towards Advertising, Promotion, and Names of Partnerships

Engineers must never engage in false, misleading, or incomplete advertising.
Information provided must be helpful to the public and presented with integrity and professionalism.
They must give their name and professional title in all advising services and shall not: invade a person’s privacy, undermine anyone’s reputation, compare their services to others, or discredit other engineers’ services.
They must not attribute to themselves experience or qualifications they cannot justify.
They must ensure that those working with them comply with advertising rules.
When mentioning fees or prices, they must do so in a manner understandable to the public, specifying the nature of services included, additional services with extra fees, and the validity period of special prices (which may be less than 90 days).
They must keep a copy of all advertising for 3 years after its last broadcast or publication.
The name of a partnership of engineers may only include the names of practicing engineers. It may not include the name of a deceased or retired associate engineer for more than one year, unless there is a written agreement.
When an associate engineer withdraws, their name must be removed within 30 days, unless there is a written agreement (not exceeding one year).
The name of a partnership may end with “and associates” when at least two associates’ names are not included.
An engineer practicing in a partnership is jointly responsible for following advertising rules.