RESEARCH LINKS
Issue 1: Digital Privacy
The Guardian: 50 Million Facebook Profiles Harvested for Cambridge Analytica”
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT): Original Text of the Senate CLOUD Act Bill
Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA): Press Release on CLOUD Act Passage
Electronic Frontier Foundation: “Responsibility Deflected, the CLOUD Act Passes”
European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Key Changes
Phys.org Fact Check: Facebook Makes Shaky Privacy Claims
Issue 2: Trade War
Roll Call: “China Trade Tariffs Stir Support, Fears and Retaliation Threat”
White House: “President’s Actions Responding to China’s Unfair Trade Practices”
Statement from Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) on President Trump’s Tariffs
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer’s Statement on President Trump’s Tariffs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Report on “Made in China 2025” Plan
New York Times: “If There’s a U.S.-China Trade War, China May Have Weapons”
CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS
Issue 1: Digital Privacy
- In your opinion, does Facebook respect the privacy rights of its users? What, if anything, should be done to protect FB users’ personal data in the future?
- Some states have laws that provide privacy protections for citizens who live there. Do you support the inclusion of privacy protections in your state’s laws? Why or why not?
- Do you think Congress should strengthen privacy protections for U.S. citizens? Why or why not?
- If a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution was added to specifically protect Americans’ right to privacy, how would you word it?
- Do you think that the right to privacy is a fundamental freedom, like freedom of religion? Why or why not?
Issue 2: Trade War
- Do you feel President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on China will ultimately help or hurt the U.S.? Justify your position.
- Will China surpass the United States as the world’s superpower? Why or why not?
- Should the U.S. view China as a threat or an opportunity?
- What role should Congress play in easing tensions between the U.S. and China and facilitating greater cooperation?
- What is the difference between “absolute advantage” and “comparative advantage?” What “absolute advantage” does China have over the United States and what “comparative ad-vantage” does the U.S. have over China?