This Assignment Has Two Goals: 1) Have Students Increase The

This assignment has two goals: 1) have students increase their understanding of ethical issues related to the use of information technology through research, and 2) learn to correctly use the tools and techniques within Word to format a research paper, including use of available References and citation tools.

This assignment has two goals: 1) have students increase their understanding of ethical issues related to the use of information technology through research, and 2) learn to correctly use the tools and techniques within Word to format a research paper, including use of available References and citation tools. These skills will be valuable throughout a student’s academic career. The paper will require a title page, NO abstract, three to five full pages of content with incorporation of a minimum of 3 external resources from credible sources and a Works Cited/References page. Wikipedia and similar general information sites, blogs or discussion groups are not considered creditable sources for a research project.

No more than 10% of the paper may be in the form of a direct citation from an external source. A list of topics from which students can choose is provided below. Topics for research paper include: how information technology supports or makes possible biometrics and its various implementations, ethical and privacy issues related to biometrics; how information technology supports the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent agents, and related ethical and privacy concerns; how IT supports the development of human-like robots, smart machines, and IoT, including benefits and risks; how IT enables genome-based treatments for diseases and associated ethical issues; IT’s impact on family, eldercare, and parenting with ethical considerations; how IT enhances computer-assisted education and its positive and negative impacts; issues faced by IT managers or security professionals regarding privacy, ownership, control, accuracy, and security; IT’s role in the era of Edward Snowden, Chelsea Manning, WikiLeaks, and its impact on defense information systems; and the role of IT in the rise and fall of cryptocurrency, including pros and cons of Bitcoin.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid evolution of information technology (IT) has transformed numerous facets of modern society, triggering profound ethical considerations that must be scrutinized. From biometric systems to artificial intelligence (AI), the technological advancements present unprecedented opportunities as well as significant privacy and ethical challenges. This paper explores the ethical dimensions associated with key emerging IT domains, emphasizing their societal impacts, risks, and the responsibilities of developers, policymakers, and users.

Biometrics: Supporting Security and Privacy Concerns

Biometric technologies, which include fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and retina scans, have become integral tools for enhancing security and streamlining identification processes. These systems rely on unique physiological traits to authenticate individuals, often employed in airport security, banking, and personal device access. However, while biometrics bolster security, they also raise critical ethical questions. The collection and storage of biometric data pose privacy risks, particularly if such data is mishandled, misused, or stolen by malicious actors (Jain et al., 2016). Unlike passwords, biometric identifiers cannot be changed if compromised, raising concerns about lifelong vulnerability.

Artificial Intelligence: Ethical and Privacy Challenges

AI development has revolutionized industries by enabling intelligent agents like Siri, Alexa, and Cortana to perform complex tasks. These systems rely on machine learning algorithms that process vast amounts of personal data, raising privacy issues related to data collection, surveillance, and consent. The ethical debate extends to the potential bias embedded within AI systems, which can perpetuate societal inequalities (O'Neil, 2016). Furthermore, AI's capacity to make autonomous decisions, especially in sensitive areas like healthcare or criminal justice, complicates accountability and morality, underscoring the need for transparent algorithms and regulations.

Robotics, IoT, and Ethical Implications

The development of intelligent robots and the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened new avenues for productivity and convenience, from autonomous vehicles to smart home devices. Nevertheless, these innovations introduce risks such as job displacement, excessive data collection, and potential misuse for surveillance (Susskind & Susskind, 2015). Ethical concerns revolve around the autonomy of robots, their decision-making capabilities, and the implications of deploying machines with human-like intelligence. Ensuring their safe and ethical integration into society requires comprehensive oversight and ethical guidelines.

Genome-Based Treatments and Privacy Issues

Advances in genomics have enabled personalized medicine, promising targeted treatments for diseases like cancer and genetic disorders. While these innovations hold tremendous therapeutic potential, they also pose privacy dilemmas regarding genetic data storage, consent, and potential misuse by third parties such as insurers or employers (Hood & Galas, 2008). Ethical considerations include informed consent complexities and the potential for genetic discrimination, emphasizing the necessity for robust legal protections.

Impact of IT on Family and Caregiving

Information technology has transformed family dynamics, aging, and parenting through digital communication, monitoring devices, and caregiving applications. These tools can enhance safety and connectivity but also raise issues of privacy, surveillance, and dependency (Finkelhor et al., 2015). For instance, constant monitoring can infringe on personal privacy, while reliance on technology may diminish face-to-face interactions, impacting emotional bonds and mental health.

Computer-Assisted Education: Benefits and Concerns

The integration of IT into elementary education fosters engaging learning experiences and provides access to vast resources. However, overreliance on devices may hinder social skills development and create disparities among students with unequal access to technology (Warschauer, 2011). There's also concern about data privacy and the potential exploitation of student data, demanding careful regulation and ethical oversight.

Challenges for IT Managers and Security Professionals

As IT environments expand rapidly, security professionals face evolving challenges involving data privacy, control, ownership, and security. Data breaches, insider threats, and the mishandling of sensitive information threaten organizational integrity. Ethical dilemmas include balancing the need for security with user rights, transparency in data use, and compliance with legal standards (Kizza, 2017).

IT’s Role in the Era of Whistleblowing and National Security

High-profile leaks by figures like Edward Snowden have spotlighted the intersection of IT and national security. These incidents raise ethical questions about government surveillance, individual rights, and transparency. While surveillance can protect national interests, it often conflicts with privacy rights, posing dilemmas for policymakers and societies (Greenwald, 2014).

Cryptocurrency: Opportunities and Risks

The rise of cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin, exemplifies how IT can disrupt traditional financial systems. Advocates highlight benefits like decentralization, transparency, and financial inclusion, whereas critics warn of risks related to volatility, illegal transactions, and lack of regulation (Yermack, 2013). Ethical concerns include money laundering, fraud, and the environmental impact of mining activities.

Conclusion

Technological advancements provide immense benefits but are accompanied by complex ethical issues. Responsible development, comprehensive regulations, and ongoing ethical scrutiny are essential to harness IT's full potential while safeguarding human rights and societal values. Maintaining transparency and ensuring equitable access will be pivotal for fostering trust and ethical integrity in emerging technological domains.

References

• Greenwald, G. (2014). No Place to Hide: Edward Snowden, the NSA, and the U.S. Surveillance State. Metropolitan Books.
• Hood, L., & Galas, D. (2008). A personal view of genome-based medicine. The New England Journal of Medicine, 348(19), 1900-1902.
• Jain, A., Ross, A., & Nandakumar, K. (2016). Introduction to Biometrics. Springer.
• Kizza, J. M. (2017). Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age. Springer.
• O'Neil, C. (2016). Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy. Crown Publishing Group.
• Susskind, R., & Susskind, D. (2015). The Future of the Professions: How Technology Will Transform the Work of Human Experts. Harvard University Press.
• Harvard Education Press.
• Yermack, D. (2013). Is Bitcoin a real currency? An economic appraisal. Handbook of Digital Currency, 31-44.
• Hood, L., & Galas, D. (2008). A personal view of genome-based medicine. The New England Journal of Medicine, 348(19), 1900-1902.
• Greenwald, G. (2014). No Place to Hide: Edward Snowden, the NSA, and the U.S. Surveillance State. Metropolitan Books.