1. Information Technology & Ethics

2. Impact The impact of IT on information and communication can be categorized into 4 groups: privacy, accuracy, property, and accessibility Information privacy is the right to determine when, and to what extent, information about oneself can be communicated to others The following two rules have defined privacy in court cases: 1.The right of privacy is not absolute – privacy must be balanced against the needs of society 2.The public’s right to know is superior to the individuals right to privacy (e.x., public databases showing online where convicted pedophiles live and work)

3. Personal computers, powerful software, large databases and the Internet have created a new dimension of accessing and using personal data Monitoring computer users without their knowledge is becoming a major issue Employees have very limited protection against employers surveillance Laws support employers

4. Databases Several concerns about the information that is provided to record keepers Questions: – Under what circumstances will personal data be released? Ex – will the site sell your data to marketers? – Are the records accurate? – Can you change inaccurate data? – To whom is the data given/sold?

5. Privacy The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Europe is thought to have the best-known set of guidelines intended to protect privacy: 1.Data should be obtained lawfully and fairly 2.Data should be relevant to the stated purpose, and collect the data that is necessary 3.The purposes for which data will be used should be identified, and destroyed if they no longer serve their purpose

6. 4.Use of data for purposes other than specified is forbidden, except when subject by law 5.Data collectors must guard against loss, corruption, destruction, or misuse 6.Individuals must be able to acquire information about the collection, storage and use of data 7.The data subject has the right to access and challenge personal data

7. Canadian Laws and Privacy PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) allows for similar provincial laws to continue to be in effect: What personal information can be collected from individuals (including customers, clients and employees); When consent is required to collect personal information and how consent is obtained; What notice must be provided before personal information is collected, and How personal information may be used or disclosed; The purposes for which personal information may be collected, used or disclosed by the organization; How an individual may get access to and request correction of his or her personal information held by the organization.