Dominant digital platforms often blur the line between innovation and exploitation. Discuss how ethical oversight can restore public trust. Evaluate the role of whistle-blowers in curbing such dominance.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Q7. Dominant digital platforms often blur the line between innovation and exploitation. Discuss how ethical oversight can restore public trust. Evaluate the role of whistle-blowers in curbing such dominance. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question: The US DOJ’s recent move to seek the breakup of Google’s ad-tech business and whistle-blower-led revelations about tech abuse underscore ethical concerns in platform monopolies. Key Demand of the question: The answer must discuss mechanisms through which ethical oversight can rebuild public trust in dominant digital platforms, and critically evaluate how whistle-blowers contribute to exposing and curbing unethical dominance. Structure of the Answer: Introduction: Mention the growing influence of digital platforms on democracy and markets, making ethical accountability a necessity beyond legal compliance. Body: Ethical oversight: Show how independent audits, algorithmic transparency, and stakeholder ethics can curb exploitative tendencies of digital monopolies. Role of whistle-blowers: Explain how insider disclosures can expose unethical practices, prompt reform, and uphold moral accountability in powerful corporations. Conclusion: Emphasise the need for institutionalised ethical checks and robust whistle-blower protection as key pillars of digital governance.
Why the question: The US DOJ’s recent move to seek the breakup of Google’s ad-tech business and whistle-blower-led revelations about tech abuse underscore ethical concerns in platform monopolies.
Key Demand of the question: The answer must discuss mechanisms through which ethical oversight can rebuild public trust in dominant digital platforms, and critically evaluate how whistle-blowers contribute to exposing and curbing unethical dominance.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction: Mention the growing influence of digital platforms on democracy and markets, making ethical accountability a necessity beyond legal compliance.
• Ethical oversight: Show how independent audits, algorithmic transparency, and stakeholder ethics can curb exploitative tendencies of digital monopolies.
• Role of whistle-blowers: Explain how insider disclosures can expose unethical practices, prompt reform, and uphold moral accountability in powerful corporations.
Conclusion: Emphasise the need for institutionalised ethical checks and robust whistle-blower protection as key pillars of digital governance.