Ethics of Camera PhoneEthics of Camera Phone

Thomas H. MakThomas H. Mak

CS 301CS 301

What is Camera Phone?What is Camera Phone?

Most cellular phones these days are now equipped with camera or camcorder.

Cellular phones are not just for communication, but it can also be used for taking pictures or video recording.

Camera phone is small and portable, makes it easier for people to take pictures.

The first commercially released camera phone was sold in Japan in 2001 and in North America in 2002.

Advantages of Camera PhoneAdvantages of Camera Phone(Part 1)(Part 1)

Camera phone makes it convenient since people don’t have to carry both the cellular phone and the camera at once.

Camera phone makes it easier to take personal pictures, friends pictures, group pictures.

Camera phone makes it convenient for photographers, reporters, journalists, police, etc. to take pictures.

Camera phone allows people to take picture of the suspect, making it easier for the police to find the criminal.

Advantages of Camera PhoneAdvantages of Camera Phone(Part 2)(Part 2)

Camera phone allows people to capturing moments at any time. Sometimes capturing moments can help report or document the event such as:Natural Disasters such as Earthquakes, Hurricanes,

Tsunamis, Fires, etc.Crime scene such as Violence, Theft, Terrorism, etc.Incidents such as Accidents, Conflicts, Protests,

Fights, War Scene, etc.Major events

UCLA Taser Incident

Saddam Execution

Virginia Tech Incident

Haiti Earthquake

Videos taken from the Camera PhoneVideos taken from the Camera Phone

Disadvantages of Camera PhoneDisadvantages of Camera Phone(Part 1)(Part 1)

Some people could use camera phones to take voyeurism pictures such as peeping others, spying, and upskirting, which are considered invasion of privacy.

Some people could use camera to take naked or semi-naked pictures of themselves and distributed to others, known as sexting.

Some people could use camera phones to record movies in theaters, television shows, and record music concerts, and then upload on the internet, which are considered copyright infringement.

Disadvantages of Camera PhoneDisadvantages of Camera Phone(Part 2)(Part 2)

People could use camera phones to take photographs in museums, performance halls, and other places where photography is prohibited.

Terrorists could use camera phone to take pictures of sensitive, restrictive, classified areas, which they could use it to disrupt or threaten people’s security.

Videos about Camera PhoneVideos about Camera Phone

Camera Phone and Crime Solving (Ethical)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtGF_heXsbo

Camera Phone and Voyeurism (Unethical)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDFSLCNSJLMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju6DE49a7w0

WARNING: Some of these videos are controversial and sensitive.

ConclusionConclusion

Camera phone can make it easier to take pictures, capture the event, and solve crime.

Camera phone also make it easier for criminals to take illegal photos.

While camera phones can be helpful and beneficial, camera phone use can be abusive and illegally used.

Is using camera phone moral or immoral?