Question

Discussion Six: Code of Ethics IT workers have many different relationships, including those with employers, clients, suppliers, other professionals, IT users, and the society at large, and that in each relationship, an ethical IT worker acts honestly and appropriately. IT workers must set an example and enforce policies regarding the ethical use of IT. IT workers are in a unique position because they have the skills and knowledge to abuse systems and data or to allow others to do so. Discuss an ethical issue IT organizations face today. Have you been personally affected by an IT ethical issue? Provide examples

Answer 1

An ethical issue that IT organizations face today is that of being able to illegally download software or files that should not be legally available, or that should not be downloaded for free. This poses an ethical problem, as dowloading these items illegally would greatly benefit the IT company economically. However, the company is required to ignore the availability of such material and instead abide by the law.

An example of this in my personal life is that of dowloading illegal music. As I am aware of the fact that dowloading music for free from illegal sites is against the law, I have taken the responsibility of not doing it. However, this requires me to control or moderate my behaviour, as I know that I have the skills and the financial incentive to act in this way. I have to remember that, although I have the skills to do so, I do not have the right to abuse the systems or the data that I have access to.