Some programmer - or team of programmers - implemented this software. Sure, it may have been a PHB who came up with the idea and told them to code this into the algorithm - but it was programmers like you or I who actually cranked out the code that made this possible.<p>Can you imagine this happening with, say, an architect? When unsafe buildings fall down, it makes international news. By and large, professionals have a code of conduct which they must follow or there is a very real chance that they will lose their livelihood.<p>I'm a Member of the British Computing Society - it has a fairly simple code of conduct for members. <a href="http://www.bcs.org/category/6030" rel="nofollow">http://www.bcs.org/category/6030</a><p>I can certainly see adding this functionality would probably be a breach of ...<p>> 1 a) have due regard for public health, privacy, security and wellbeing of others and the environment.<p>> 2 d) ensure that you have the knowledge and understanding of Legislation* and that you comply with such Legislation, in carrying out your professional responsibilities.<p>> 2 f) avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false or malicious or negligent action or inaction.<p>> 3 e) NOT misrepresent or withhold information on the performance of products, systems or services (unless lawfully bound by a duty of confidentiality not to disclose such information), or take advantage of the lack of relevant knowledge or inexperience of others.<p>But, here's the kicker - if I were kicked out of the BCS for adding this code, nothing would happen to me. Employers don't care about professional bodies - except in terms of certification and, possibly, indemnity.<p>I'm quite happy being a member of a Trade Union, because I believe it offers me the best protection against a malicious employer - I wonder how long before more codes start joining professional bodies to help protect themselves from being asked to act counter to their best interests?