These past few weeks have presented a new variety of interesting topics in the realm of information technology ethics. Firstly, the readings that discussed the history and function of Anonymous were particularly interesting to me. The group is very unique in its organizational structure, but that individuality also made it hard to understand how it functions. Being able to break down the operational nuances of the group through the readings helped me to understand how the group works that much better.
Learning about this topic also caused me to think about what online communities may look like in the future. Will they move towards more anonymity, or will a desire for accountability necessitate maintaining consistent online identities? This debate is already occurring on the social network sphere, for instance, with Google+ deciding to mandate a real name policy. I have a feeling that I will be consistently be encountering this questions as I continue to utilize the Internet.
Some of the other readings that I found interesting were in the whistle-blowing section. While this idea has been around since the beginning of the private sector, it’s very apparent that information technology revolutionizes (or complicates) the whole concept. Since the technology makes information about a company much more easier to access, I think the chances of employees finding out about dubious information without anyone else knowing is much more likely. In addition, it has become easier for them to share that information with the media, i.e. blow the whistle, anonymously. This also doesn’t just involve the private sector, however, as Wikileaks has taught us.
Speaking of governmental involvement in information technology, another provocative topic area was the influence of social media in certain countries. Since these new forms of media are breaking down the barriers to information that might have been put up by governmental entities (e.g. Chinese internet censorship), I wonder how long those governments will be able to curtail information access. I think the constitutional right of freedom of speech and freedom of information causes us to take the power of free information for granted. For instance, the events of the Arab Spring were made that much more successful due to the ability to make information widely available. This makes me wonder: how long until governments will no longer be able to censor information because of their citizens’ push for freedom of information? What effects will that have on global political dynamics? My feeling is that the rapid communication afforded by social media will show people the power of free information, and that will instigate more political movements.
So, the past couple weeks have definitely had an elements concerning on international issues. Given the wide-impact nature of information technology, it isn’t surprising that the concepts have implications on an international scope. Gaining this perspective is not only interesting by also essential in analyzing and understanding how information technology affects ethics on a global scale.
Learning about this topic also caused me to think about what online communities may look like in the future. Will they move towards more anonymity, or will a desire for accountability necessitate maintaining consistent online identities? This debate is already occurring on the social network sphere, for instance, with Google+ deciding to mandate a real name policy. I have a feeling that I will be consistently be encountering this questions as I continue to utilize the Internet.
Some of the other readings that I found interesting were in the whistle-blowing section. While this idea has been around since the beginning of the private sector, it’s very apparent that information technology revolutionizes (or complicates) the whole concept. Since the technology makes information about a company much more easier to access, I think the chances of employees finding out about dubious information without anyone else knowing is much more likely. In addition, it has become easier for them to share that information with the media, i.e. blow the whistle, anonymously. This also doesn’t just involve the private sector, however, as Wikileaks has taught us.
Speaking of governmental involvement in information technology, another provocative topic area was the influence of social media in certain countries. Since these new forms of media are breaking down the barriers to information that might have been put up by governmental entities (e.g. Chinese internet censorship), I wonder how long those governments will be able to curtail information access. I think the constitutional right of freedom of speech and freedom of information causes us to take the power of free information for granted. For instance, the events of the Arab Spring were made that much more successful due to the ability to make information widely available. This makes me wonder: how long until governments will no longer be able to censor information because of their citizens’ push for freedom of information? What effects will that have on global political dynamics? My feeling is that the rapid communication afforded by social media will show people the power of free information, and that will instigate more political movements.
So, the past couple weeks have definitely had an elements concerning on international issues. Given the wide-impact nature of information technology, it isn’t surprising that the concepts have implications on an international scope. Gaining this perspective is not only interesting by also essential in analyzing and understanding how information technology affects ethics on a global scale.
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