Article: Read the text below. (5 minutes)
Tony Wang, the new manager of Twitter in Europe, said in a recent conference that Twitter will disclose users’ information if they violate privacy laws.
Wang said this is in connection to a recent incident wherein despite an existing injunction some users still revealed some information accusing the British footballer Ryan Giggs of having an affair. British lawyers are now asking Twitter for the information of the said users.
Wang said turning in the users’ information does not mean defending the person who does bad things. What they intend to do is to protect that person’s right to defend himself. He added that after revealing the users’ information to the court, they will no longer be involved in the case.
Some delegates in the conference disagreed that users’ information should be disclosed if they say anything about a person who commits misconduct. Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, thought that doing so would be the same as covering up the misdeeds.
Words Difficult to Pronounce
privacy – [prahy-vuh-see; Brit. also priv-uh-see]
injunction – [in-juhngk-shuh n]
disallowing - [dis-uh-lah-wing]
delegate – [del-i-geyt]
Wales - [weylz]
Vocabulary Review: Read the following words/expressions used in the article and make sample sentences using them. (5 minutes)
1. disclose (v.) –to make something known; to tell others something that is hidden
Example: People are advised not to disclose personal information online.
2. privacy (n.) – the situation when one’s life is free from other people’s view
Example: Most celebrities do not enjoy privacy in their lives because of the media.
3. injunction (n.) – a legal order that requires a person or group of persons to do something or refrain from doing something
Example: The politician filed an injunction to stop journalists from writing bad things about him.
4. turn in (idiom) – to give or submit something
Example: The student turned in his project late so it was not accepted by the professor.
5. misconduct (n.) – a wrong action; a misbehavior
Example: Misconduct in the company should be discussed immediately.
Comprehension Questions: Basing it from the article, answer the following questions. Answer using your own words. (5 minutes)
1. According to Tony Wang, what will be Twitter’s policy on users who violate privacy laws?
2. What is Twitter’s intention for turning in the information of users who violate privacy laws?
3. Why do some delegates in the conference disagree with Twitter’s policy?
Viewpoint Discussion: Read the following statements and determine whether you AGREE or DISAGREE. Discuss the reasons with your tutor. (5 minutes)
1. Internet users should be free to say whatever they want.
2. People who commit misconduct should be exposed on the Internet.
