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.
Privacy 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.
When 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:
Software license
A legal agreement that defines how you can use, share, or modify a piece of software
- Proprietary License: You can’t modify or share the software (e.g. Microsoft Office).
- Open Source License: You can view, change, and share the code (e.g. Linux).
- Freeware: Free to use, but usually not editable (e.g. Skype).
- Shareware: Free trial, then you pay to continue using it.
Copying and pasting content without permission is a violation of copyright law, even if it's for personal use.
A student in a rural area without high-speed internet may struggle to attend online classes, whereas a student in an urban area with good internet access can participate easily.
If you are interested in Open Source, here is a clip of Linus Torvalds, the creator of two world-changing Open Source projects, such as Linux and Git, discussing Open Source and its significance for developers.
Linus Torvalds on the Status of Open Source
The digital divide is not just a global issue, it also exists within countries, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities.
How do we balance the need for innovation with the protection of intellectual property? Consider the impact of open-source software on traditional business models.
Globalisation and Cultural Diversity
- Globalisation: The interconnectedness of the world through technology, enabling the rapid spread of information and ideas.
- Cultural Diversity: The variety of artistic expressions and practices that exist globally.
Some of the positive impacts:
- Increased Communication: People can connect across borders, fostering collaboration and understanding.
- Access to Information: Knowledge is more accessible, supporting education and innovation.
Some of the negative impacts:
- Cultural Homogenization: Dominant cultures may overshadow local traditions and languages.
- Digital Colonialism: The imposition of technology and values by powerful countries on less developed regions.
- Think of globalisation as a double-edged sword.
- While it opens doors to new opportunities, it can also erode cultural identities if not managed thoughtfully.
Ethical System Design
You can improve the ethical aspect of the new system via:
- Reliability: Ensuring systems function correctly to prevent data loss or harm.
- Integrity: Protecting the accuracy and completeness of data.
- Authenticity: Verifying the identity of users to prevent unauthorised access.
Incorporate ethical considerations into the design process by conducting impact assessments and involving diverse stakeholders.
- How does globalisation influence your daily life?
- Can you identify both positive and negative effects?
- What steps can you take to protect your privacy online? Consider both technical and behavioural strategies.
