Ask HN: Ever refuse to build something for moral reasons?

2 points·mavsman··4 comments

A lot of times we talk about what makes the internet good and free and what makes it bad (e.g. auto playing media in a page). As developers, we are often asked/demanded by managers, sales people, and CEOs to build things simply to make money. Have you ever actually said no to something you don't believe in?

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Yes, I was asked to create a missile guidage from an helicopter, and I refuse, I know somebody else made it now, but I didn't want to participate into that. In another subject, I refuse to develop a password rule : for log in, the password would be case insensitive, but will be case sensitive for unsubscribing. It was unfair and against all security.

Yes. I refuse to install tracking social media button embeds on client websites and will push clients towards non-tracking equivalents instead, as well as refusing popups and adding people who haven't consented to join to mailing lists.

This is why we work non stop. If you don't build it because morals, someone else will build it.

Keep telling yourself that. Often, the person asking you to build something immoral hasn't given it much thought. When you refuse and explain why you are morally opposed to doing such a thing, sometimes that makes them stop and think and realize that you're right. Not always—sometimes they will just get someone else to do it, but at least you tried and aren't involved.

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