Current Events Conversation

My second-semester academic event of this year was Sam Stelneki’s current events conversation that took place on March 28th in the glass classroom of Smith-Steeb hall. Although the focus of this IA event was centered around several business-related current events, these events are considered international because of the corporation(s) large international presence and the scope of impact they have on multiple sectors of the globe. Although we discussed events relating to Uber, Huawei, Boeing, and Youtube, the current situations affecting Boeing and Youtube have interested me the most- especially since I am currently in a business law class.

New European Copyright Laws?

Copyright infringement is something that most college students have seen- whether surfing Youtube or Google for movies, songs, TV shows, etc. Evidently, copyright violations are very difficult to locate, manage, and impose punishments upon. However, recently there has been legislation discussed in Europe that, if passed, would force tech giants like Youtube to be responsible for the financial burden of managing copyright infringements. In the past, these major companies have subtly avoided claiming responsibility for this task for the obvious reason of avoiding the financial damage to the company. If companies were forced to be responsible, they would most likely have to develop costly filters and software to identify and block violations on their enormous sites. On the other side of the room, some believe that by allowing such massive providers of media to be in control of managing media “in violation” of privacy statutes and policy, they may start to lean towards the idea of censorship and media tailored to the beliefs of the corporation in charge.

Boeing 737 Malfunctioning

Recently, Boeing has been going under heavy investigation and a number of lawsuits. Not only has their recent scandal induced several criminal and technical investigations, but it also started to get people to question the ethics of Boeing, in general. The scandal involves Boeing’s new 737 MAX and its design, which seems to have been botched due to “cutting corners.” When dealing with an industry that is necessary to consumers in terms of transportation AND inherently dangerous, it is more than likely and not surprising that a faulty airplane model can turn easily into numerous negligence and strict-liability claims. Since the company was directly involved in designing and making the airplanes, the customers reasonably relied on the idea that the planes would not be faulty, injury/death occurred in relation to this defect, and the occurrence of a plane crashing due to a malfunctioning part is considered reasonably foreseeable, it can be interpreted as negligent on the part of the defendant (Boeing). Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft should never have been released the way that it was. It is clear Boeing cut corners to get the model out fast and with as little expense as possible. The US regulator, which works closely with Boeing, certified the design when they should not have. This is what paved the way for these foreseeable, avoidable accidents. This scandal/situation shows what the profit motive does to the safety standards of aviation around the world and at home.

 

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