Ethics of computing

This paper begins by drawing on early discussions concerning ethical aspects of computer technology and proceeds to use them to highlight different problem areas: technical, application, and environment. We then look at some of the major issues under discussion since these early writings, to show the scope of the problems, as well as their changing nature, as different technologies are introduced. This background sets the scene for the discussions of moral responsibility, and moral choices referred to above. Some of the technologies that are on the horizon, are discussed showing some correspondence to concerns raised more than 20 years ago. Finally, the moral points raised are brought together in a set of questions that could provide the basis of moral consideration when designing for the future

The internet: a framework for understanding ethical issues.

The impact and influence of the Internet as a communications medium cannot be overstated. It has had a profound effect on economic, political, and other social infrastructures, and has introduced ways of communicating which have transformed social relationships. The Internet has opened up information exchange on a global scale, offering enormous opportunities and advantages to an hitherto unknown degree. The Internet has also raised a number of serious, and urgent, ethical challenges. The discussions and debate surrounding ethical issues such as trust, security and privacy, amongst others, conducted at all levels (international, government, academia and the popular press) in themselves are evidence of the complexity of the problem of Internet ethics. The research unravels some of the complexity and muddle of Internet ethics, with the objective of providing a foundation for further research. This thesis offers four perspectives on the problems of Internet ethics: technical, conceptual, regulatory and ethical. These different viewpoints are not only useful in drawing out insights concerning the ethical framework of the Internet, they also provide leverage for the analysis of pertinent issues. The work in this thesis thus offers a framework for understanding, and analysis, which can be developed and used in continuing investigations. The research is a combination of theory and practice - both informing each other. The approach taken arose from the author's direct involvement in many of the expert discussions and debates which (together with the literature), identified a need for foundational work. In-depth work with a number of specialised groups has provided the practical backdrop, and grounding to this research - published results appear as Appendices

Intelligent ethics.

This paper discusses the impact of envisaged intelligent applications on the lives of the individuals who may be using them, and investigates the ethical implications of autonomous decision-making that is beyond the control of the user. In an increasingly networked world we look beyond the individual to a social picture of distributed multi-agent interaction, and in particular at the concepts of rules and negotiation between these virtual social agents. We suggest that the use of such agents in a wider social context requires an element of ethical thinking to take place at the grass roots level – that is, with the designers and developers of such systems

The information society: what next?

Addressing the issues of governance, ethics and social consequences in today’s Information Society is a monumental task. The authors who have contributed to this publication have risen to the challenge and produced papers that offer a variety of perspectives reflecting their different disciplines. This Chapter attempts to give an overview of the theme of the conference and the work contained within this book by drawing out the potential for influencing policy and the development and deployment of future technologies. It does this by using a stakeholder categorisation in terms of: international, governmental, organisational, educational and individual. Professionals and professional bodies have a major role in promoting awareness, and the ways in which they can do this are discussed. Finally, following the original conference programme, the steps that can be taken by Working Group 9.2 within IFIP together with the recommendations made at the end of the conference are briefly summarised

Taking a holistic approach to exchanging health information over a global network.

This chapter is on the use and management of information via the medium of computer technology, the impact of computer technology on information, and the issues that arise from this ‘information flow’. Personal privacy, information privacy, patient competence and informed consent are just some of the ethical concerns within the health care communication environment. The focus of the discussion concerns the accuracy, integrity of systems and information, confidentiality and the interpretation of health information – all of which have consequences for the patient. In showing how these networked technologies are in use today, and taking into account existing research programmes, it becomes possible to hypothesise future uses

Applied ethics and eHealth: principles, identity, and RFID.

The social and ethical implications of contemporary technologies are becoming an issue of steadily growing importance. This paper offers an overview in terms of identity and the field of ethics, and explores how these apply to eHealth in both theory and practice. The paper selects a specific circumstance in which these ethical issues can be explored. It focuses particularly on radio-frequency identifiers (RFID). It ends by discussing ethical issues more generally, and the practice of ethical consideration

Pursuing perspectives on ambient intelligence.

This paper takes a broad perspective on ambient, intelligent technologies in the context of contemporary European society at the turn of the 21st century. The underlying ideas and expectations of ambient intelligence in a period when Europe focuses progressively on the various social, economic, and ethical challenges facing the Information Society are discussed. The use of information and communication technologies in different organizational and economic settings are explored, with an illustrative focus on eHealth. It is particularly argued that more space, effort and facilities need to be created for a public social and ethical debate among European‟s citizens with regard to information and communication technologies development

Ethical issues and pervasive computing

There is a growing concern both publicly and professionally surrounding the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their social and ethical impact. As these technologies become increasingly pervasive and less visible to the user, there is a greater need for professionals to address the concerns in order to regain public trust and maximise the benefits that these technologies can bring. This chapter explores the ethical aspects of the world of pervasive computing and shows the need for an ethical perspective when considering the design and implementation of complex, integrated, multiple systems. We present the background to ethics and technology to give the foundation for our discussion, and refer to current research and ethical principles to provide the argument for ethical consideration. Finally, codes of professional conduct provide the standards, and endorsement, for professional responsibility

eHealth and ethics: theory, teaching, and practice.

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is increasing rapidly in many spheres of contemporary life in Europe. The ethical use of ICT in all areas of its application is of growing importance. This is especially evident in the field of healthcare. The regional, national, and Europe-wide electronic aspects of health services and systems are related fundamentally to these two developments. This chapter explores the relevance of ethics to eHealth generally. It outlines two main contrasting ideas that have influenced ethical thought: Kantian ethics and consequentialism. It investigates the ways in which teaching and practice for ICT professionals and trainees can be enhanced and extended to increase the awareness of ethical issues in eHealth. It takes as examples two technological applications that are in increasing use in the eHealth field: electronic health records and radio frequency identification devices. The chapter ends with a brief discussion and conclusions about how this ethical awareness can be expanded beyond ICT professionals to other stakeholder groups, and to other eHealth technologies or applications

Service provider responsibility for unsolicited commercial communication (spam).

The Internet introduced the concept of email – a means of communication that arguably provides the communication base for industry in the developed world. Advertisers have not been slow to take up the opportunities offered by the Internet and the World Wide Web – in many cases subsidising web-site presence. Advertising has its place, however, and many would argue that one of the less popular side effects of fast, easy and global communication has been the exploitation of this medium for sending ‘spam’ (or junk-mail). The focus of this paper is on the role of Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) as the principle gatekeepers between the Internet and email-users. Legislation recognises this role and addresses the problem of spam. Other approaches to tackle the problem come from self-regulation and software applications (filtering technologies). This paper outlines some preliminary research that assesses the potential of eliminating illegal Spam whilst at the same time allowing companies to use e-mail as a marketing tool, based on cooperation between the Law and the IT Sciences