Development of a code of ethics: IT challenges

The problem to be investigated is how information technology has changed the way society perceives ethics; how information technology can be used ethically, and how to develop a code of ethics to alleviate many ethical issues.

Information Technology: Social Perceptions

The internet is a relatively new phenomenon; society has not yet recognized the huge social impact that information technology has had and will have in the future. Within the last decade there has been a steady mass migration of people from around the world who have embraced the digital environment. During major events such as the Occupy Wall Street movement, people were asked “and where were you?” the answer often was, “online.” (Floridi, 2007) Along with the benefits of having rapid information at our fingertips there are also a few detrimental consequences to consider. Because of the new technological advancements and the resultant emerging ethical considerations, students need guidance in making ethical decisions, which are now unique to today’s technology driven world. (Brooks, 2010, p. 11)

The Josephson Institute conducts a national survey on the ethics of American high school students every two years. Stealing, lying and cheating have risen exponentially. (Brooks, 2010) Within the IT industry snooping has become excessive; IT professionals are accessing computers without authorization and reading confidential information without a legitimate reason. The Ponemon Institute did a survey of 16,000 IT practitioners and found that forty two percent said they had knowingly violated company privacy, security and IT policies. (Harbert, 2007, p. 35) These harrowing statistics, which reflect darkly on our society, should ring loud and clear to everyone that there ...

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