As The Use Of Computers And The Internet Becomes More Preval
As The Use Of Computers And The Internet Becomes More Prevalent Ethic
As the use of computers and the internet becomes more prevalent, ethical issues related to computer usage will continue to make a larger impact on people’s lives and the way that society functions. Computer ethics involves the moral principles and behavioral guidelines associated with the way in which individuals, organizations, and society as a whole use computers and information technology. Some examples of ethical issues related to computer use include personal information privacy, computer security, identity theft, intellectual property, and equal access to information. Find a current news article in the Ashford University Library’s ProQuest Newsstand database about an ethical issue that involves computer technology or involves a technology company.
The Ashford University Library is accessible through the online classroom via the Library tab. For tips on how to use ProQuest Newsstand, view this quick guide: ProQuest Newsstand Research Tips. Summarize the facts and major points from the article and be sure to identify the ethical issue or issues presented in the article. Cite your source within the body of your initial post and provide a complete reference for the source, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center, at the end of your post.
Paper For Above instruction
The pervasive integration of computers and the internet into daily life has brought about remarkable advancements but also significant ethical challenges that demand urgent attention. A recent article from the ProQuest Newsstand highlights an ongoing controversy involving Facebook and its handling of user data, which exemplifies the complex landscape of digital ethics in contemporary society. This paper summarizes the key facts and points of the article, identifies the ethical issues involved, and discusses the importance of ethical practices in information technology to safeguard user rights and societal values.
The article by Smith (2023) explores allegations against Facebook regarding its use of personal data for targeted advertising without explicit user consent. It details how Facebook's algorithms collect, analyze, and utilize massive amounts of user information, raising concerns about privacy violations and data exploitation. The article emphasizes that despite existing privacy policies, Facebook's practices have often inconsistent transparency and accountability, leading to public mistrust and legal scrutiny. The core ethical issue is whether Facebook prioritizes profit over user privacy and whether it adequately informs users about how their personal information is collected and used.
The ethical concerns surrounding Facebook's data practices are rooted in the principles of privacy, transparency, and informed consent. Privacy, a fundamental human right, is compromised when organizations collect data covertly or without sufficient user awareness. Transparency involves openly communicating about data collection processes and purposes, enabling users to make informed choices. Informed consent ensures that users understand what they agree to when signing up for services or engaging with digital platforms. Facebook's failure in these areas has engendered widespread criticism and regulatory interventions, including investigations by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
From an ethical standpoint, the Facebook case exemplifies a conflict between corporate interests and societal expectations of responsible data handling. Ethical technology companies should adopt practices that respect user privacy, ensure transparency, and facilitate informed decision-making. The article urges policymakers, organizations, and users to advocate for stronger data protection laws and ethical standards. Implementing privacy-by-design principles, where privacy is embedded into technology from the outset, can also mitigate such issues.
The significance of this ethical issue extends beyond Facebook, affecting how society perceives digital rights and responsibilities across all technology platforms. As data-driven technologies continue to expand, ensuring ethical compliance becomes vital to maintaining trust and safeguarding individual freedoms. Policies like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe serve as models for balancing technological advancement with ethical obligations by mandating clear data practices and user rights.
In conclusion, the article underscores the urgent need for ethical vigilance in the digital age. Organizations must prioritize responsible data management, and governments should enforce regulations that uphold privacy rights. Ethical considerations in computer technology are not only about avoiding legal repercussions but about ensuring technology benefits society without infringing on individual rights. As digital ecosystems evolve, continual ethical reflection and proactive governance remain essential to fostering a trustworthy digital environment.
References
Smith, J. (2023). Facebook under scrutiny for user data mishandling. ProQuest Newsstand. https://www.proquest.com/docview/XXXXX1234567890