So, you wanted to talk about something?

As you know, our team is preparing to launch a new productivity app. During testing, I've discovered that the app collects users' clipboard data—even when the app is running in the background—and uploads it to the company server.

This data could include sensitive information, such as passwords or personal messages.

The feature was added to enable a cross-device sync function, but users were not explicitly informed.

Why does this happen?

What's your take on this?

We’re in a competitive market where privacy concerns are increasingly important. Our company has previously marketed itself as a “privacy-conscious” alternative to larger tech firms. Failing to meet that standard now could feel like a betrayal to users. The engineering team may not have been aware of the ethical implications when they implemented this feature. It solved a problem we had at the time.

So, let's think through this. Who are the stakeholders here?

Well, users, for one. But then there's the product team - they're under pressure. And legal and leadership have a reason to be concerned too.

Users expect transparency and control over their personal data.

The product team might go bananas if we  about delays and diminished features.

Legal/compliance staff may worry about GDPR or other privacy violations.

The company leadership likely wants to maintain a good reputation and avoid liability.

Walk me through what they care about, as you see it.

That sounds right.  What are our options here?

We could (1) disable the clipboard sync until we’ve added clear consent and disclosure, (2) redesign the feature so it only works with explicit user activation, or (3) keep it as is, but that risks violating privacy expectations and regulations. 

So, how are you thinking about this? I mean, what are the ethics, not the practical implications.

Well, the principles at stake include respect for user autonomy (through informed consent), privacy, and professional responsibility. The feature, as currently implemented, violates user trust and potentially breaches data protection laws or standards.

In the short term, disabling the feature may delay the app launch or reduce a popular function. However, continuing with the current design risks user backlash, reputational damage, and legal exposure. Long-term trust with users is more valuable than the short-term benefit of seamless sync.

OK, now the pragmatics. What's the impact and consequences of our options here?

And you recommend what?

I recommend disabling the clipboard data collection feature until we implement proper user consent and disclosure.

So, you wanted to talk about something?

As you know, our team is preparing to launch a new productivity app. During testing, I've discovered that the app collects users' clipboard data—even when the app is running in the background—and uploads it to the company server.

This data could include sensitive information, such as passwords or personal messages.

The feature was added to enable a cross-device sync function, but users were not explicitly informed.

Why does this happen?

What's your take on this?

We’re in a competitive market where privacy concerns are increasingly important. Our company has previously marketed itself as a “privacy-conscious” alternative to larger tech firms. Failing to meet that standard now could feel like a betrayal to users. The engineering team may not have been aware of the ethical implications when they implemented this feature. It solved a problem we had at the time.

So, let's think through this. Who are the stakeholders here?

Well, users, for one. But then there's the product team - they're under pressure. And legal and leadership have a reason to be concerned too.

Users expect transparency and control over their personal data.

The product team might go bananas if we  about delays and diminished features.

Legal/compliance staff may worry about GDPR or other privacy violations.

The company leadership likely wants to maintain a good reputation and avoid liability.

Walk me through what they care about, as you see it.

That sounds right.  What are our options here?

We could (1) disable the clipboard sync until we’ve added clear consent and disclosure, (2) redesign the feature so it only works with explicit user activation, or (3) keep it as is, but that risks violating privacy expectations and regulations. 

So, how are you thinking about this? I mean, what are the ethics, not the practical implications.

Well, the principles at stake include respect for user autonomy (through informed consent), privacy, and professional responsibility. The feature, as currently implemented, violates user trust and potentially breaches data protection laws or standards.

In the short term, disabling the feature may delay the app launch or reduce a popular function. However, continuing with the current design risks user backlash, reputational damage, and legal exposure. Long-term trust with users is more valuable than the short-term benefit of seamless sync.

OK, now the pragmatics. What's the impact and consequences of our options here?

And you recommend what?

I recommend disabling the clipboard data collection feature until we implement proper user consent and disclosure.