Information technology and ethics - Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2024)

FAQs

What is ethics in relation to information technology? ›

Ethics in information technology refers to moral guidelines that dictate how professionals should use computers and other forms of technology. These ethics help IT professionals navigate increasingly complex ethical dilemmas.

We define philosophy of computing and IT as the study of philosophical issues in relation to computer and information systems, their study and design in the fields of computer science and information systems, and their use and application in society.

Ethics in ICT encompasses a wide array of principles that guide the responsible development, use, and impact of technology on individuals and society. It involves a commitment to fairness, accountability, transparency, and respect for the privacy and rights of users.

Data management and privacy are one of the biggest challenges faced by those in the IT field. Ethics in IT helps to ensure that these challenges are taken seriously and dealt with constantly to help ensure protection and reliability.

Example: A social media platform that collects and sells users' data without explicit consent violates ethical privacy and data protection standards. Users' information should be safeguarded and used responsibly (GDPR standards), with transparent privacy policies and options for users to control their data.

What are some ethical issues in IT? Ethical issues in IT include personal privacy, protection of intellectual property such as copyrights and trade secrets, liability, racial and gender equality, and free speech issues.

Technology ethics are principles that can be used to govern technology including factors like risk management and individual rights. They are basically used to understand and resolve moral issues that have to do with the development and application of technology of different types.

Three philosophical perspectives on the relation between technology and society are distinguished and discussed: 1) technology as an autonomous force that determines society; 2) technology as a human construct that can be shaped by human values, and 3) a co-evolutionary perspective on technology and society where ...

They believe technology is a free agency, not a tool. Technological determinism examines the relation between technology and society. These are just a few examples of philosophical perspectives on technology.

Paraphrasing the ideas of others without documentation. Lifting more than 10 consecutive words from a document without proper acknowledgment. Taking media from the Internet, including images, pictures, music, videos, and so on. Using information that you consider common knowledge without citation.

What is unethical conduct when using IT systems? ›

Here are some examples of unethical behavior in the field of cybersecurity: 1> Hacking for Malicious Purposes: This includes unauthorized access to computer systems or networks with the intent to steal data, disrupt services, or cause harm.

It provides a critical framework for considering moral issues concerning informational privacy, moral agency (e.g. whether artificial agents may be moral), new environmental issues (especially how agents should behave in the infosphere), problems arising from the life-cycle (creation, collection, recording, ...

Information technology ethics is the study of the ethical issues arising out of the use and development of electronic technologies. Its goal is to identify and formulate answers to questions about the moral basis of individual responsibilities and actions, as well as the moral underpinnings of public policy.

Rather, a code of ethics sets forth values, ethical principles, and ethical standards to which professionals aspire and by which their actions can be judged. Social workers' ethical behavior should result from their personal commitment to engage in ethical practice.

Act honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly, and legally by: ● Truthfully informing stakeholders as needed to ensure visibility into issues of concern. Observing all contracts and agreements, express or implied.

Technology ethics are principles that can be used to govern technology including factors like risk management and individual rights. They are basically used to understand and resolve moral issues that have to do with the development and application of technology of different types.

Information ethics has been defined as "the branch of ethics that focuses on the relationship between the creation, organization, dissemination, and use of information, and the ethical standards and moral codes governing human conduct in society".

Employees are often expected to uphold integrity, responsibility, and professionalism during work. This includes properly handling confidential information, maintaining a safe working environment, and avoiding unlawful conduct such as accepting bribes.

The ethical issues also includes: accuracy of the information, accessibility of information, ownership of the information, and IT employees occupational health and safety, quality of life. These factors can affect information system quality, such as reliability and security.