Mr Verma is a software engineer working with the IT Section of the Health Department, who has recently developed an application which helps patients keep track of medical information, doctor’s appointments, and prescriptions. Information about the patient/user is stored in this app, including what prescriptions they are taking and how frequently they schedule doctor’s appointments. As the developers of the app, Mr Verma and his colleagues have access to this information. The health promotion section of the Department requests Mr Verma to supply them with patient-specific information so they can target promotional messages to the users in an efficient manner. Mr Verma understood the importance of health promotional messages but also felt that the privacy of the app users should be protected. Additionally, as a Software Engineer, he feels he should be responsible for those who use his technology.

(A) Do you think the Health Promotion section’s demand for information is ethically justifiable? Why/Why not?

(B) According to you, is this an appropriate time for Mr Verma to display moral courage and stand up for user rights vis-à-vis his Department priorities?