Problem
In 1998, Andrew Wakefield and others published a now-debunked paper claiming that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine causes autism in children. Later investigations revealed that they fabricated and manipulated their data to show a nonexistent link between vaccines and autism. Wakefield also neglected to disclose important conflicts of interest, and his medical license was taken away. This fraudulent work sparked vaccine hesitancy among parents and caregivers. The rate of MMR vaccinations in children fell sharply, and measles outbreaks became more common due to a lack of herd immunity. There is no risk of children developing autism from the MMR or other vaccines, as shown by many large studies. Although the paper was retracted, it has received thousands of citations. Which of the ethical considerations did Andrew Wakefield and his colleagues violate?