http://pulse2.com/2012/07/19/33across-raises-13-1-million-in-series-c-funding/

After reading Rachel von Hahn’s post, I immediately thought back on the first blog post we wrote about business ethics.  Even though Rachel is directly referencing the class we had on IT systems in her post about 33Across and their use of social networking, I can’t help but wonder how this new technology might not be an ethical way of conducting business.  This company is “compounding real-time data about how individuals respond to what is read, purchased, shared, and recommended online”.

The ethical question here is whether or not the access to this private information should be allowed.  So my question is have these people agreed to release their personal information for the use of this company?  33Across is fully aware about the privacy issuesof their

http://venturebeat.com/2012/07/19/33across-raises-13-1m-series-c/

marketing technology, SocialDNA™ Targeting.  They claim that they only collect data from clients who use their services and it cannot be traced to any specific individuals.  Unfortunately, further reading show that this is not the end of the story.  When entering into interactions with 33Across, one has the option to agree to the release of one’s private, traceable information or not.  If you choose the later, your involvement with the program will be limited.  Meaning that if you wish to fully participate with this company, you must surrender your private information.  It seems that 33Across is aware of the concerns clients have regarding privacy, but are unethically restricted services to those without any.