Examination of marketing data collection, privacy issues, surveillance capitalism, and social advertising ethics. Analyzes global regulatory frameworks (GDPR, CCPA, Asian policies), consumer attitudes, and corporate practices. Explores ethical decision-making frameworks, vulnerable population protection, AI impact, and privacy-preserving advertising strategies. Develops student positioning on digital marketing ethics and future industry practices.
Athena Title
Digi Mark Privacy and Ethics
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in MARK 4670E
Prerequisite
MARK 3000 or MARK 3000E or MARK 3000H or MARK 3001 or MARK 3001E or MARK 3001H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will analyze and evaluate digital advertising platforms' data collection practices by comparing privacy claims against actual practices and synthesizing findings to form evidence-based judgments about consumer consent validity.
Students will evaluate how marketing data collection impacts vulnerable populations by applying ethical frameworks to case studies and designing practical solutions that protect human dignity and consumer autonomy.
Students will request their personal data from major tech platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Google, Amazon, etc.), analyze what companies collect about them, compare privacy practices across platforms, and reflect on digital privacy implications.
Topical Outline
Digital Data Ecosystem and Privacy Fundamentals
Global Regulatory Frameworks and Governance
Ethical Frameworks in Digital Marketing
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
AI, Algorithms, and Future Technologies
Professional Practice and Consumer Empowerment
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
