Suppose you own a company that makes smart refrigerators. Your smart refrigerators can tell you exactly what is in your refrigerator and let you know when you need to buy more of certain items. They also send data back to corporate headquarters to be used in online reports for users.

a. Would it be ethical to sell the data you collect about the contents of users’ refrigerators?

Assume each user had to accept a “terms and conditions” agreement before using the online reporting application. Consider both the categorical imperative and utilitarian perspectives.

b. Advertisers want to buy data from you so they can target consumers with ads about the foods they buy. But insurance companies, employers, news reporters, law enforcement, government agencies, and medical offices are also asking for access to the data you’re collecting.

Would it be ethical to sell your data to everyone?

Consider both the categorical imperative and utilitarian perspectives.