As data becomes more valuable, questions about how data is collected and used become increasingly important. In IB Computer Science, students are expected to understand not only what Big Data is, but also the ethical issues it creates. These issues focus on fairness, privacy, consent, and responsibility.
IB examiners reward answers that clearly explain why an issue is ethical, not just that it exists.
Why Ethics Matter in Data Collection
Data often represents:
- Real people
- Personal behaviour
- Sensitive information
When data is collected or analysed irresponsibly:
- Individuals can be harmed
- Trust can be lost
- Rights can be violated
Ethics in data collection focuses on how organisations should behave, not just what they are legally allowed to do.
Privacy and Personal Data
One of the biggest ethical concerns is privacy.
Big Data systems often collect:
- Location data
- Online activity
- Personal preferences
- Behavioural patterns
Ethical issues arise when:
- Individuals are unaware data is being collected
- Data is collected beyond its original purpose
- Sensitive information is exposed
IB students should explain that privacy issues occur even if data collection is technically legal.
Consent and Transparency
Consent means individuals:
- Know what data is being collected
- Understand how it will be used
- Agree to that use
Ethical problems occur when:
- Consent is hidden in unclear terms
- Users cannot realistically opt out
- Data is reused without permission
Transparency is essential for ethical data practices.
Data Ownership
Another ethical issue is who owns data.
Questions include:
- Does the individual own their data?
- Does the organisation that collects it own it?
- Can data be sold or shared?
In Big Data systems, data is often:
- Collected automatically
- Combined from multiple sources
This makes ownership unclear and ethically complex.
Bias and Discrimination
Big Data systems can reinforce bias.
This happens when:
- Data reflects existing inequalities
- Algorithms are trained on biased datasets
As a result:
- Certain groups may be unfairly treated
- Decisions may favour or disadvantage individuals
IB students should understand that:
- Data analysis is not neutral
- Ethical responsibility includes preventing discrimination
Data Security and Responsibility
Collecting large amounts of data creates a responsibility to:
- Protect it from unauthorised access
- Prevent misuse
- Store it securely
Ethical issues arise when:
- Data breaches occur
- Organisations fail to protect data
- Sensitive information is exposed
Security failures are both technical and ethical problems.
Purpose Limitation
Ethical data use requires purpose limitation:
- Data should be used only for its stated purpose
Problems occur when:
- Data collected for one reason is reused for another
- Individuals are not informed of new uses
This is common in Big Data environments.
Balancing Benefits and Risks
Big Data can provide:
- Improved services
- Better decision-making
- Social benefits
However, ethical practice requires:
- Weighing benefits against harm
- Minimising risks to individuals
IB examiners expect students to show balanced judgement.
Common Student Mistakes
Students often:
- Confuse ethical issues with technical issues
- Focus only on privacy
- Ignore consent and bias
- Give opinions without explanation
Ethical explanations must be justified.
How This Appears in IB Exams
IB questions may ask students to:
- Identify ethical issues in a scenario
- Explain why an issue is ethical
- Discuss impacts on individuals or society
- Evaluate data use decisions
Clear reasoning earns higher marks.
Final Thoughts
Ethical issues in data collection and Big Data focus on privacy, consent, ownership, bias, and responsibility. As data systems grow more powerful, ethical decision-making becomes just as important as technical design.
Understanding these ethical challenges allows IB Computer Science students to evaluate real-world data systems thoughtfully and critically — exactly what examiners expect.
