Information Technology (IT) concerns computer professionals who design and create information systems and devices, bringing significant benefits to society. According to Fielden (2004), IT plays a central role in commerce, industry, government, medicine, education, entertainment, and society at large. However, alongside these benefits, IT has introduced numerous social and ethical issues. It is up to IT professionals to identify these challenges and deal with them effectively to make the IT world safe for the upcoming generation. Below are some of the ethical and social issues related to IT.
Privacy
The first aspect of ethical issues in IT is privacy. Privacy is about protecting an individual’s personal information, which is any information that allows others to identify you (Schultz, R.A., 1942). Information privacy combines communications privacy and data privacy. Privacy is a vital principle of our community, as we all have the right to know who holds our personal information.
Data Privacy
In terms of personal or data privacy, IT allows data or information to be exchanged on a large scale and from anyone, anywhere in the world at any time. This widespread dissemination of information increases the probability of disclosing information and violating the privacy of individuals and groups (Ugbogbo S.N. and ATU O. Micheal, 2016). It is our task and responsibility to maintain the privacy and integrity of data regarding individuals. This includes taking precautions to ensure the accuracy of data and protecting it from unauthorized access or accidental disclosure to inappropriate individuals.
Communication Privacy
Communication privacy is the ability to communicate with others without being monitored, i.e., free from surveillance or interference from other individuals or organizations. Privacy infringements are also common in workplaces. For instance, many staff members are subjected to electronic and other forms of high-tech surveillance. These systems threaten individual claims to privacy by making the invasion of privacy cheap, profitable, and effective. Internet technology has posed new challenges for the protection of individual privacy.
Security of Data and Information
Security of most resources is about guarding against theft or destruction. Most security problems are intentionally caused by malicious people trying to gain some benefit or harm someone. For example, students have fun snooping on people’s email, businessmen cause breaches in security to discover a competitor’s strategic marketing plan, and ex-employees leak information to get revenge for being fired (Devendra Kumar Tiwary, 2011). Organizations can improve their security by observing fundamental strategies such as using passwords, access codes, and only licensed copies of software, which are unlikely to have viruses installed on them.
Internet Cookies and Data Collection
The widespread use of internet cookies, which collect information whenever we use the internet, has exposed IT users to high risks of fraud and conflicting interests. Many big companies use these cookies to determine which products or services they can advertise to us. Therefore, we require additional techniques and strategies for dealing with the security of data and information.
Hackers
Hackers are individuals with a wide range of technical knowledge and skills who aim to overcome or get around security mechanisms used by computer systems. With tools like the internet, hackers can easily hack into any computer system connected to the internet. Hackers can use an IP (Internet Protocol) address to access a user’s computer and collect data for selfish reasons. For instance, in online banking, the transfer of money can be interrupted by a hacker, transferring funds to their desired accounts, affecting both the bank and the customer.
Countermeasures Against Hacking
To minimize this challenge, employing white hat hackers can help discover loopholes in security systems. These ethical hackers can notify companies about breaches in their corporate networks and consult on how to fix these vulnerabilities.
Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) describes identity theft as “occurring when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.” Many IT professionals and individuals have been affected by some form of identity theft through means such as URL manipulation or DNS redirection. Centralized data storage reduces the problems of information loss or theft as it is secured behind multiple layers of firewalls and intrusion detection systems, managed by IT professionals whose job is to keep the data safe.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is where the work of others is copied, but the author presents it as their own work. This is a highly unethical practice but happens quite frequently. With all the information now available on the Internet, it is much easier to do and is happening more often.
Expanding on Ethical and Social Issues
Beyond the mentioned ethical and social issues, IT brings several other challenges that need attention.
Digital Divide
The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. This divide can be seen across various demographics, including socio-economic status, education, and geographic location. The lack of access to technology and the internet can lead to significant disadvantages in education, employment, and access to services.
Intellectual Property
The issue of intellectual property rights has become increasingly complex with the advent of digital media. The ease of copying and distributing digital content poses a significant challenge to protecting intellectual property rights. This includes software piracy, illegal downloads of music and movies, and the unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
Automation and Job Displacement
Automation and the rise of artificial intelligence have led to significant job displacement in various industries. While automation increases efficiency and reduces costs, it also poses the risk of unemployment for many workers. It is crucial to address the ethical implications of job displacement and consider ways to retrain and reskill the workforce to adapt to the changing job market.
Social Media and Mental Health
The impact of social media on mental health is another area of concern. While social media platforms provide opportunities for connection and communication, they also contribute to issues such as cyberbullying, social anxiety, and depression. It is essential to create guidelines and support systems to mitigate the negative effects of social media on mental health.
Conclusion
Information Technology has brought significant benefits to society, playing a central role in various sectors. However, it has also introduced numerous social and ethical issues that need to be addressed. IT professionals have a responsibility to tackle these challenges, ensuring privacy, security, and ethical use of technology. By addressing issues such as privacy, security, digital divide, intellectual property, automation, and the impact of social media, we can create a safer and more equitable IT environment for future generations.