[markharris99]

I was reading the comments of the article and I came across an interesting thought.

Whilst we in first world countries may be able to protest against our employers or try and steer them away from non-ethical actions.

What happens when the employer takes away the assignment in question and gives the work to an off-shore company, who's only obligation is to get paid? Where the developers of said off-shore company's obligation is to get paid so they can eat?

Do you think off-shore developers are going to have the same moral stances of a first world developer? I don't think so.

I know there are a couple of voices in this thread who think they can be that knight in shining armor, a bit like Don Quixote. However, you can't rail too much. Lest you find yourself outcast, side-lined or even fired?

I thought it was an interesting situation to ponder.

[bengillies]

Ultimately though, we can only speak for our own moral choices. If you're happy with doing something unethical or illegal, then go ahead. If you're not prepared to, then don't. If you refuse though, then what happens afterwards isn't up to you and doesn't impact on your morals and/or character. The best you can hope for is to know that you played no part in the wrongdoing.

[oakesm9]

The same could be said if you refuse to do the work and it's given to any other person who doesn't morally object (off-shore or otherwise).

[ff10]

Unfortunately, the ethical chain here is only as good as it's most unethical link. Then again, most people really don't have a good feeling being the corrosive link.

[danielam]

I don't know what you mean by "ethical chain", but whether something is the right thing to do is independent of whether other people are acting morally or not. Just because others are morally corrupt does not justify one's own moral corruption.

[scdoshi]

> Do you think off-shore developers are going to have the same moral stances of a first world developer? I don't think so.

It's not as if first world developers (or employers) are on average more ethical than off-shore ones. You could have made the same point without being derisive of off-shore developers.