This chapter touches on an interesting issue that involves the privacy and ownership of tissues and cells that are used in scientific research. Should companies be forced to pay their research subjects royalties if their cells and tests lead to the development of a profitable new product? I don't think so. The research subjects helped, but the bulk of the development expenses, risks, and research is conducted by the company, and they should then reap the rewards. However, I do not believe that doctors should be allowed to test you or use your tissue without your consent.
This chapter also asks whether or not we should own our personal names and addresses, and I think to an extent we should. If I give my information to a company I am giving them access to my information, but I should not have to accept the fact that they may sell my information to any number of other companies. If I choose to give those companies my information that is my choice, not theirs.
Finally, technology has made it increasingly easy to obtain pirated materials, there is a constant battle between companies and pirate's. I think that pirated material is great, now we're seeing the other side of the coin. The consumers are taking companies private information without their consent, and companies don't like it. They want our information for free to generate profit, but they won't give up their information for free... I find it pretty hypocritical.
1 comment:
I understand your opinion on paying for genetic material and you have a valid point; the drug companies certainly spend a lot of money on research and development. I still think it is an interesting idea for people to be given the opportunity up-front to sign up for a percentage of the profits if their tissue is responsible for a major break-through. They might choose to have this percentage donated to a favorite charity or towards continued research.
I agree that we should own our personal information. Businesses should not be allowed to sell our information without notifying us of who they want to sell it to, for what purpose and then obtaining our specific permission to this particular sale. I still like the opt-in policy better than the opt-out policy. I think it would cut down on junk mail and permit marketing companies to target those consumers who truly want to receive their promotions. If we had an opt-in policy those people would in effect be giving them carte blanche to sell their information. There would also need to be a way to opt-out if they change their minds.
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