Social and Ethical Challenges in a Networked World
Privacy and Data Security
Privacy is the ability to control how personal information is collected, used, and shared.
Privacy is an inherent human right, and a requirement for maintaining the human condition with dignity and respect.
- Bruce Schneier, Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World
Data Security involves protecting information from unauthorised access, ensuring its integrity and confidentiality.
NotePrivacy becomes anonymity when individuals use technology to conceal their identity, which can lead to both positive and negative outcomes.
Implications of Privacy Breaches
Identity Theft: Unauthorised access to personal data can lead to financial and reputational damage.
Surveillance
The monitoring of individuals or groups using technology, often without their knowledge or consent
Surveillance: Governments and corporations may monitor individuals without their consent, raising ethical concerns about autonomy and freedom.
TipWhen designing systems, prioritise data minimisation: collect only the information necessary for the intended purpose.
Security vs Privacy
When it comes to the sensitive and controversial topic such as security versus privacy, we face a couple of ethical dilemmas:
- Security vs. Privacy: While surveillance can enhance security, it may infringe on personal freedoms.
- Accountability: It is often unclear who is responsible for monitoring and how the data is used.
Surveillance
The monitoring of individuals or groups using technology, often without their knowledge or consent
Surveillance can lead to a chilling effect, where individuals alter their behavior due to fear of being watched.
When working with surveillance, the two key ethical considerations are:
- Transparency: Organisations should disclose what data is collected and how it is used.
- Consent: Users should have the option to opt in or opt out of data collection.
- To what extent should governments be allowed to monitor citizens in the name of security?
- How do we balance individual rights with collective safety?
Access vs Author Rights Protection
How to find a balance between improving access and keeping author rights?
Digital divide
The gap between individuals, groups, or countries in terms of access to digital technology, such as the internet, computers, and mobile devices.
Digital divide includes disparities in:
- Access (e.g. reliable internet or devices)
- Skills (ability to use technology effectively)
- Usage (how people benefit from technology in education, work, etc.)
Some strategies that help deal with it include different types of software licenses:
