http://factoryjoe.com/blog/2006/10/12/crowdsourcing-the-neue-sweatshop-labor/

The author's view is that crowdsourcing is actually just another form of exploitation from private companies, just that now it harnesses new technology. He thinks its just a new way for corporations to earn profits while an unpaid group of volunteers get milked of goodwill. The article draws paralells to open source that allows the public to gain from free access to the codes. In crowdsourcing, the benefit to soceity as a whole is limited.

I feel that as long as the volunteers get the incentive they wished for, be it a cash prize or simply some form of satisfaction, there should not be an ethical issue. However, companies should be clear on how the solutions or work done will be treated. Will it lead to eventual product savings? Or does it just bring them more revenue?

Summary: The article highlights a story that shows how the internet erodes privacy and helps to spread online rumours. Question: With the revolutionay increase in blogs and other tools that make anyone a "creator of information", who guards the gates and prevent violations in privacy and other issues? Problem: The rise of New Media and the ethics of gossip and rumours.