IT104-Lesson2

ETHICAL DILEMMA/ETHICAL ISSUES IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

"[To] do this to the right person, to the right extent, at the right time, with the right
motive, and in the right way, that is not for everyone nor is it easy; wherefore goodness
is both rare and laudable and noble."(Aristotle, Ethics II.9)
There are various ethical dilemmas in relation to I.T. that need to be addressed. What
are and are not ethical issues in I.T.? In regard to hackers, for example, are they testing
the system or performing an immoral action? Will genetic engineering improve the
quality of peoples lives or start to destroy it? How do we recognize when an ethical
dilemma exists? There are, indeed, many grey ethical areas.
Ethical dilemma is a complex situation that will often involve an apparent mental
conflict between moral imperatives, in which to obey one would result in transgressing
another. This is also called an ethical paradox since in moral philosophy, paradox plays
a central role in ethics debates.
Ethical dilemmas...
An ethical dilemma emerges in a context of conflict between at least two goods (values)
which require different responses.
Ethical Dilemmas:
1. INVASION OF PRIVACY
The wrongful intrusion into a person's private activities by other individuals or by the
government. Tort law protects one's private affairs with which the public has no concern
against unwarranted exploitation or publicity that causes mental suffering or humiliation
to the average person. The right to be left alone is not always superior to the rights of
the public and it may or may not exist or may exist to a lesser degree with regard to the
life of a public figure, such as a politician or other person in whom the public has
a rightful interest. The right to personal privacy is encompassed as an aspect of liberty
protected against government interference by the Constitution's due process clause.
2. THEFT
In common usage, theft is the taking of another person's property without that person's
permission or consent with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. The word is also
used as an informal shorthand term for some crimes against property, such as burglary,
embezzlement, larceny, looting, robbery, shoplifting, library theft and fraud. In some
jurisdictions, theft is considered to be synonymous with larceny; in others, theft has
replaced larceny. Someone who carries out an act of or makes a career of theft is known
as a thief. The act of theft is known by terms such as stealing, thieving, wick sing,
and filching.
3. HACKING
The word "hacking" has two definitions. The first definition refers to the
hobby/profession of working with computers. The second definition refers to breaking
into computer systems. While the first definition is older and is still used by many
computer enthusiasts (who refer to cyber-criminals as "crackers"), the second definition
is much more commonly used. In particular, the web pages here refer to "hackers"
simply because our web-server logs show that everyone who reaches these pages are
using the second definition as part of their search criteria.
Hackers break into, or hack into a system. Hacking can be undertaken for a variety of
reasons, such as the wish to damage a system or the wish to understand how a system
works, so that money can be made out of it. Alternatively, there might be a desire to
alert people to the fact that a system is insecure and needs improving. Due to this some
argue that there are hacker ethics. Hacking can present a moral dilemma. This is
because reformed hackers sometimes offer their expertise to help organizations
protect themselves against other hackers. Hackers cannot just wander into a system, as
they could into an unlocked door. Instead, it requires a lot of skill. With this skill hackers
can demonstrate that a system is insecure and needs improving. In this way, it could be
argued that hackers play a valuable role. Many argue that hacking might lead to some
improvements, but that it causes such a lot of disruption that it is not worth it in the
long- run.
4. SECURITY
Computer security (Also known as cybersecurity or IT Security) is information security
as applied to computers and networks. The field covers all the processes and

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mechanisms by which computer-based equipment, information and services are

protected from unintended or unauthorized access, change or destruction. Computer
security also includes protection from unplanned events and natural disasters.
5. COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
Copyright infringement (or copyright violation) is the unauthorized or prohibited use of
works covered by copyright law, in a way that violates one of the copyright owner's
exclusive rights, such as the right to reproduce or perform the copyrighted work, or to
make derivative works. For electronic and audio-visual media, unauthorized
reproduction and distribution is also commonly referred to as piracy
6. UNFAIR COMPETITION
A branch of intellectual property law, unfair competition is a term applied to all
dishonest or fraudulent rivalry in trade and commerce. This term is particularly applied
to the practice of endeavoring to substitute ones own goods or products in the market
for those of another for the purpose of deceiving the public.
7. VIRUS
A computer virus is a type of malware that, when executed, replicates by inserting
copies of itself (possibly modified) into other computer programs, data files, or the boot
sector of the hard drive; when this replication succeeds, the affected areas are then said
to be "infected". Viruses often perform some type of harmful activity on infected hosts,
such as stealing hard disk space or CPU time, accessing private information, corrupting
data, displaying political or humorous messages on the user's screen, spamming their
contacts, or logging their keystrokes. However, not all viruses carry a destructive
payload or attempt to hide themselvesthe defining characteristic of viruses is that
they are self-replicating computer programs which install themselves without the user's
consent.
8. VIDEO CONFERENCING
Videoconferencing is the conduct of a videoconference (also known as a video
conference or video teleconference) by a set of telecommunication technologies which
allow two or more locations to communicate by simultaneous two-way video and audio
transmissions. It has also been called 'visual collaboration' and is a type of groupware.
9. PIRACY
Cyber piracy involves various deceptive practices that companies or individuals engage
in to profit from online users. Within the legal aid community, these deceptive practices
result in confusion for the public (particularly clients and potential clients) as well as
take advantage of the good-will and reputation of legal aid organizations. Without a
system to address cyber piracy, legal aid programs risk the chance that the public,
especially unsophisticated online users, will not reach legitimate legal aid website and
will be confused and possibly extorted on websites posing as legal aid.
Piracy, the illegal copying of software, is a very serious problem, and it is estimated that
approximately 50% of all programs on PCs are pirated copies. Programmers spend hours
and h ours designing programs, using elaborate code, and surely need to be protected.
Although some might argue that some pirating at least should be permitted as it can
help to lead to a more computer literate population. But, for corporations, in particular,
this is a very serious issue, and can significantly damage profit margins.
10.
ONLINE DEFAMATION
Generally, defamation is a false and unprivileged statement of fact that is harmful to
someone's reputation, and published "with fault," meaning as a result of negligence or
malice. State laws often define defamation in specific ways. Libel is a written
defamation; slander is a spoken defamation.
11.
FRAUD
The definition of what constitutes computer fraud becomes ever more complex with the
ingenuity of people who intend to deceive, misrepresent, destroy, steal information, or
cause harm to others by accessing information through deceptive and illegal means.
Just as individuals have to be careful when they are walking down the street or in their
homes when they lock the doors at night, they need to be careful of the many examples
of fraud that will make their way onto their computers.
12.

PLAGIARISM

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Plagiarism is where the work of others is copied, but the author presents it as his or her
own work. This is a highly unethical practice, but happens quite frequently, and with all
the information that is now available on the Internet it is much easier to do and is
happening more often.
13.
ERGONOMICS/HEALTH ISSUES
There are many ergonomic/health issues related to I.T. Responsible/ethically- minded
employers will, hopefully, give due consideration to this, as indeed should all employers.
This includes issues such as the importance of taking adequate breaks from using the
computer and ensuring that the screens comply with the regulations.
Also, ensuring that the positioning of the chair and the computer is appropriate for the
user and providing foot rests, when required. Some organizations will give special
advice to their employees on these matters. When I worked at Clifford Chance, an
international law company, for example, they had specialized staff who would come
round to each employee individually, and discuss their ergonomic needs, if the
employee requested this. Having enough light and having plants in the room can also
be important factors. Without such ethical/moral awareness and taking the necessary
action, many workers will suffer health problems directly from I.T., such as back
problems, eyestrain and eye infections and repetitive strain injury (RSI).
14.
JOB
DISPLACEMENT/WORK
PRESSURES
IMPOSED
ON
COMPUTER
PROFESSIONALS
Computers are changing the face of the work scene. For some people, their jobs are
becoming redundant or they have to play quite different roles, and others are suffering
increasing levels of stress from work pressures. Others are, obviously, reaping the
benefits of having more rewarding jobs, and there is certainly more emphasis on
knowledge, information and I.T. skills than ever before. However, this all clearly poses
various ethical issues. Should those that lose their jobs be compensated? How can the
pressure be eased on those that are suffering stress? Is it acceptable for computer
programmers to be made redundant on the spot etc.? There are many ethical issues
that need to be addressed here.
15.
DIGITAL DIVIDE
The digital divide poses a serious problem today. A new breed of haves and have not
are being created, between those that have access and can use a computer and the
Internet, and those that do not have such access. There are clearly serious ethical
implications here. Those that do not have such access may well be discriminated
against, feel socially excluded and miss out on many life opportunities.
16.
GENDER
There are also ethical issues in regard to gender and computers, given the fact that
females are often discriminated against in various ways in this new I.T. age. The number
of females in computing academia is low. Furthermore, when females do work closely
with computers, it is often in the lower level of work. Also, computer screens and
layouts are frequently designed and programmed by men, and they might not be ideally
suited to women, which could affect the quality of the work that women produce. Men
tend to obtain the better quality I.T. jobs, earn more money, and make far more of the
important decisions in relation to I.T. Basically, men are driving the I.T. age forward,
whereas females are playing more passive roles, confined to working with the systems
that men have already created, but which might not be ideally suited to them. These
are all ethical issues that people should be made more aware of, and efforts need to be
made to try to remedy the situation.
17.
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology presents a new set of ethical dilemmas. Nanotechnology could help
humankind and help to provide adequate food and shelter. On the other hand, it could
be very dangerous. There are also various environmental issues to consider, such as the
effect that nanomaterials have on living systems. There is a relatively low investment in
environmental nanotechnology, which must surely give us cause for concern.
These are all very serious ethical issues that need to be confronted sooner rather than
later. I f it appears to be the case that advanced aspects of I.T. are seriously threatening
our way of life, then something surely needs to be done about it as soon as possible.
18.
EXPERT SYSTEMS
Expert systems are a body of information in a specific field that is held in an electronic
format, such as a doctor expert system, that houses detailed medical information on a

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database. Various questions can be posed in regard to expert systems, such as what is
the basis of ownership? Is it the different elements that comprise the total system or the
total package? These issues are related to intellectual property rights and the moral
aspects in regard to this. There are also wider ethical issues in regard to expert systems
that need to be explored. In regard to a 'doctor expert system, for example, such a
system can provide accurate information, but the face- to- face contact is missing. Such
face- to- face contact might prove to be essential in order to ensure that the right
diagnosis is made, and it is possible that some individuals could even die as a result of a
wrong diagnosis given through this lack of face - to- face contact. In other ways expert
systems could help to save lives. The patient might, for example, be given a speedier
response. All these ethical issues need to be considered further.
19.
NETIQUETTE
There are also ethical/moral codes that should be adhered to, in the use of networks
and email correspondence. As already indicated, the setting up of such codes has
become necessary as people have not always addressed each other in an appropriate
manner through this means of communication, and in this way they have behaved
unethically. For example, not wasting peoples time and not taking up network storage
with large files. Furthermore, not looking at other peoples files or using other systems
without permission and not using capital letters, as this denotes shouting (unless one
does actually want to shout at someone through email!). Also, people that become too
obnoxious can be banned or ignored. A kill file can be set - up, which will
automatically, erases messages from that person.
20.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
There are moral rights embedded within much intellectual property rights legislation,
agreements and directives, for the benefit of creators of works and copyright holders.
Furthermore, there are penalties for those that violate such legislation, (such as
violating copyright legislation), although this can sometimes be difficult to enforce in
practice. The legislation, though, is often complex and difficult to understand, which
means that some creators of works do not obtain the moral rights that they are entitled
to. However, sometimes, moral rights are actually excluded from agreements.
21.
ISSUES OF DATA COLLECTION, STORAGE AND ACCESS
There are many moral issues that need to be considered in regard to the collection,
storage and access of data in electronic form. Under what circumstances, for example,
should one seek permission from or inform those whose records are on file?
Furthermore, how accurate is the data and who has access to it?
22.
SPEED OF COMPUTERS
The pure speed at which computers operate can cause ethical problems in themselves.
It can allow people to perform unethical issues quickly, or perform operations that it was
difficult or impossible to perform before, such as browsing through files that one is not
authorized to. It can also mean that people do not give enough consideration before
performing various actions.
23.
VENDOR- CLIENT ISSUES
Ethical issues also arise in regard to vendor- client relationships, the vendor being the
computer supplier and the client being the person that is buying the computer system,
whether this be the hardware or software or both. If the user continually changes the
system specification, for example, to what extent should the vendor be prepared to
adjust the system specification accordingly? Other unethical acts include, for example,
consultants selling the program to the second client, after being paid to develop the
program for the first client only. Also, the vendor might provide hardware maintenance
according to a written contract and for hardware to be repaired in a timely manner, but
the client might not believe that the repairs have been timely. Drawing up more precise
contracts might help here, but in some instances the outcome can probably only
depend on peoples individual moral consciences.
CONCLUSIONS
Thus, there are a vast range of ethical issues in I.T. These can be broken down into a
number of sub - headings, including computer crime, social implications, advanced I.T.
issues, netiquette and intellectual property rights. Some of these can be solved quite
easily, whilst others seem to be almost impossible to solve.