Which act would likely be unethical but not illegal?

The choice of laying off customer support employees and contracting overseas for cheaper labor is a situation that often raises ethical questions, even though it may not violate any specific laws. Businesses frequently make decisions aimed at reducing costs to remain competitive in the market, which can include outsourcing jobs to locations where labor is cheaper.

This can be seen as a business strategy that prioritizes profitability over employee welfare. While it might be viewed as unethical because it affects job security and potentially the quality of customer service, it operates within the legal framework of corporate employer decisions. Hence, it reflects a business practice that, while controversial and possibly harmful to the employees affected, does not necessarily breach legal standards.

In contrast, other options involve actions that cross legal boundaries, such as invading privacy, allowing sexual harassment, or lying to customers—all of which are clearly illegal behaviors under various laws and regulations, including privacy laws, anti-discrimination laws, and consumer protection laws.