Ethical Implications In The Age Of Information By: Ifra Danish and Fatima Ijaz

What is ethics? “ethics” originates from the Greek word “ethos” which means “character” moral principles that govern a group’s or a person’s behaviour and activity set of rules and regulations that tell us what is wrong and right

What is Computer Ethics? the regulated use of information technology that doesn’t harm any moral principles of any individual or the society informs us of various ethical issues caused by the use of computers teaches us how these implications can be minimized or prevented

The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics: Don’t use a computer to harm others Don’t interfere with other people's computer work Don’t snoop around in other people's computer files Don’t use a computer to steal Don’t use a computer to lie Don’t copy or use other people’s software for which you have not paid Don’t use other people's computer resources without authorization Don’t take credit for other people’s computer work Think about the social consequences of the software you are designing before developing it Always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for other people

Why is Computer Ethics important? it regulates online privacy and safety tells us how to use computers ethically without them there will be much more online crimes such as piracy, plagiarism, identity theft, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking

Did you know… one out of three high school students admitted that they used the Internet to plagiarize an assignment 57% of world’s personal computer users run pirated software. illegal software use costs developers worldwide over $60 billion a year in lost revenues, with more than $10 billion lost in North America alone.

What is social responsibility? a way of acting ethically a person’s or an organization’s action that benefits the whole society an action that benefits the society socially, environmentally, and economically

How can businesses be socially responsible? be sustainable to the environment do projects that raise money for charity have a good connection with their employees increase wages for those who deserve it

How can individuals be socially responsible? don’t litter recycle volunteer in the community donate to charity

Did you know… Richer people are less ethical and socially responsible than people lower on the social and financial ladder people earning over $100 000 gave 2.7% of their earnings to charity people earning under $25 000 gave 4.2% of their earnings to charity

Key Areas of Concern Regarding Ethics: Privacy Accuracy Ownership Accessibility

Privacy: What information should a person reveal regarding themselves and alliances; under what conditions? What information should be kept strictly to oneself? What things can people keep to themselves, and not have to tell others?

What threatens our privacy? The growth of information technology Others ability to be able to access personal information through computer files. Data that is to be given to health providers, financial institutions, and others may be accessed or used for other purposes.

Did you know… A few years ago in Florida, a business had an issue of some parts of the building being underutilized. They placed a monitor in the public washrooms. The monitor had a view of the sinks, mirrors, toilets and everything was recorded. They got away with it by stating that it would provide them with valuable information, even though they invaded the privacy of the staff.

Accuracy: Who is responsible for the accuracy of information? Who will be held accountable for errors?

Data that is entered into programs and/or other systems is very important A simple error can lead to a very bizarre outcome It is important that data is inputted accurately, and properly

Ownership: Who owns the information? What are the fair prices for its exchange? Who owns the passages through which information is transmitted? How should access to this resource be distributed?

Information can be very costly to produce It is very easy to reproduce and copy the information once it has been produced Infringing copyright laws is a form of robbery The author or software is robbed of information and money

Accessibility: What information does a worker or business have the right to obtain and under what conditions?        

Private computers are predominantly available to wealthier people. Poor people do not have equal access to the information and have very little knowledge and/or training on how to use it People with disabilities ( e.g. wheelchair) do not have many places such as libraries or lecture halls suited for them

In conclusion Information systems… Should not invade a person’s privacy Should be accurate Should protect property and respect ownership Should be equally accessible to everyone that needs it

Bibliography Lipscomb, David. (2015). Ethics Training in the Workplace. Retrieved May 13, 2015 from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/ethics-training-workplace-4599.html O. Mason, Richard. (2000). Digital Media Ethic Points. Retrieved May 14, 2015 from http://facstaff.elon.edu/andersj/ethicsdiscussion.html O. Mason, Richard. (1986). Four Ethical Issues of the Information Age. Retrieved May 14, 2015 from http://www.gdrc.org/info-design/4-ethics.html Rykrsmith, Eva. Fun Facts About Money and Ethics. Retrieved May 20, 2015. from http://evarykr.com/2012/03/fun-facts-about-money-and-ethics/ Boone, Kevin. (2009). Importance of Computer Ethics and Software Piracy. Retrieved on May 19, 2015 from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5766300_importance-computer-ethics-software-piracy.html