ITMG 481 AMU Moral Responsibility And Ethical Issues Discussion

1.What are some common ethical issues that result from the use of information technology?2. What are some potential problems and abuses inherent in the power of information? Reply to post:
Post 1:
Stephen Russell posted Oct 16, 2023 6:05 PM
Good afternoon everyone,
Information technology is a broad field of work and thus, results in a
plethora of ethical issues. A few of the more common and recognizable
issues include personal privacy, patents and copyright, and piracy.
Personal privacy is a substantial ethical issue within information technology
because of the relative permanence of information as it resides on the
internet. Further, it is widely understood that there is not totally-safe
information on the internet due to the interconnectivity and technically
malleable attributes of the internet. Patents and copyright are also major
ethical issues because of the ease by which information can be duplicated
and analyzed in the information technology field. Several personalities may
also come to the same technical conclusions and discoveries which may
lead to inadvertent violation of copyright laws. Finally, piracy persists in
the information technology fields for many of the same reasons as
copyright and patents. Information can easily be shared numerous times
at no cost to the one disseminating the information. This ultimately leads
to widespread piracy issues.
Information, like financial and political power, can be a vitally important
resource for Nationstates and individuals alike. Information can be wielded
in both positive and negative ways to cause substantial real-world effects.
When information is used for nefarious purposes like identity theft,
misinformation, or insider trading, it can have very real impacts on
everyday citizens. As information professionals, it is an inherent
responsibility to acknowledge and properly handle information of all kinds.
Without a firm ethical base, the handling of information would likely
ultimately lead to catastrophe.
Thanks for reading!
Stephen
Post 2:
W3 Moral Responsibility
Roman Valde posted Oct 16, 2023 11:59 AM
Hello Class,
As we grow more and more involved in the world of information technology (IT), it becomes increasingly
important to address the ethical issues that it raises. The issue of privacy is one of the most serious
concerns. Because of the increase in the number of online platforms and services, user information is
more accessible than ever, potentially leading to unwanted data gathering, unwarranted surveillance,
and data breaches. These breaches not only jeopardize users’ personal information, but also raise
serious questions about how this data may be used. The digital age has blurred the limits of intellectual
property when it comes to digital information. While the internet provides an open platform for material
exchange and distribution, it also creates substantial issues in terms of copyright breaches and digital
piracy. It’s a fine line between encouraging knowledge sharing and ensuring that artists are recognized
and compensated for their efforts. Cybersecurity has emerged as a critical issue. As cyber attacks
become more sophisticated, it is critical to protect personal and institutional data. This, however, raises
an ethical question: how much surveillance is required, and when does it cross the line into invasion of
privacy? Also, the digital gap remains a major ethical challenge. As technology advances, the gap
between those who have access to it and those who do not grows wider. This difference leads to
unequal chances and advantages, which exacerbates socioeconomic disparities. Because of the ease
with which information can be communicated, misinformation and disinformation can spread quickly,
resulting in ill-informed judgments, widespread panic, and real-world consequences. Such unfettered
power can also be used to influence public opinion, sway elections, and even market dynamics. There is
also the impending concern of surveillance overreach, in which governments or corporate entities may
abuse their access to information, resulting in a dystopian environment in which personal liberties are
jeopardized.
Cheers,
Roman