Information Technology Ethics Issues Article Summary Essay

MessageWith todays advances in technology, software development and customs duty is paramount. Software connects computers hardware to users. Without software, computers would be useless. Unfortunately callable to the complex nature and high demand for many software systems, the prices turn in sharply risen. A Seattle man, Rex Yang and a few friends decided they could capitalize on this high demand, high price market. To keep their overhead down and increase on profits, the group chose a less than ethical route.According to an name in Forbes, Yang and the other participants in the software scam worked since 2009, obtaining and merchandising dishonorable product activation finds for Microsoft and other software programs through e-commerce websites. The participants traded product key codes over email and wired money to each other among different camber accounts. They allegedly operated a series of ecommerce sites, claiming to be selling the product activation keys legally, an d received many cease and desist garner from Microsoft. It is thought the group may have made at least $30 million in profits over the years. That surge in profit from pirated software began to fall apart in 2013.In April 2013, mother country Security Investigation Agents, received a tip that the owner of a company called Software Slashers was selling counterfeit computer software and DVDs, largely from China. Through the investigation, Yangs wrongdoing was uncovered. Although no criminal charges have been filed to date, the affect of seizing property has begun. At the end of 2014, HSI Special Agents began seizing bank accounts and assets connected to the pirated software. Over $7 million in liquid assets (as shown in the table below) were takenCASHBITCOINLITECOIN7,000,000105900In addition, the following items were as well as seizedVehicles, including a PorscheGold and SilverFour Rolex watches (one studded with diamonds)A infield ringThe seizure of property is often the first step in these investigations, eventually leading into criminal preceding. Software piracy is taken rattling seriously in the United States, and companies do not take kindly to others stealing their software and activation codes. This group of unethical individuals will close to certainly face a legnthy prison term and possible the obligation of restitution.