Internet Research Ethics

Dying for the Internet

2006-03-20T14:05:00.000-05:00

A Cuban writer is on a hunger to protest the censorship the Cuban government has placed on the Internet.

Click here to view the video from CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/video/partners/clickability/index.html?url=/video/tech/2006/03/17/newman.cuba.internet.cnn

Some people will go to great lengths to protest what they believe in. This censorship is similar to what the Chinese government is doing with Google. This censorship causes the digital divide to increase even more.

Electronic Pathfinder

2006-03-10T18:29:00.000-05:00

Explore the following links related to this e-pathfinder:

General Resources Detailed Resources Opinions Books

Title: Ethics in Internet Researching

Scope: This electronic pathfinder is a quick guide primarily for librarians and information professionals to consult when conducting online research. The websites contained in this pathfinder are links to general resources, detailed resources, opinions and books. The annotations give a summary of each link. The focus of the guide is on the ethical considerations necessary during internet researching. There is a wealth of information available on the ethics involved when researching on the internet, however to make the site manageable and easy to use only the vital resources are displayed.

General Resources:

Associations

Association of Internet Researchers
http://www.aoir.org/

This website is host to the Association of Internet Researchers and has a wealth of general as well as specific information on internet research. While membership is required to view detailed information many of the resources on the site are free, including the Ethics report approved by the membership of AoIR.

Code of Ethics of the American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm

This websites provides the code of ethics approved by the American Library Association. It is an excellent starting point for librarians to use as a basis when conducting online research.

American Association for the Advancement of Science, Ethical and Legal Aspects of Human Subjects Research in Cyberspace
http://www.aaas.org/spp/sfrl/projects/intres/main.htm

Journals/ Other Resources

1. INTERNET LIBRARY FOR LIBRARIANS
http://www.itcompany.com/inforetriever/index.html

This website is an internet library for librarians and provides links to a wealth of information. Although, the site doesn’t focus on ethics specfically it is a good place to get background materials, including information on copyright.

2. Journal of Ethics and Information Technology
http://www.springerlink.com/link.asp?id=103461

This journal has an online abstract archive going back to March 1999. Purchase of full text articles is available. “Ethics and Information Technology is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the dialogue between moral philosophy and the field of information and communication technology (ICT). The journal aims to foster and promote reflection and analysis which is intended to make a constructive contribution to answering the ethical, social and political questions associated with the adoption, use, and development of ICT.”

3. Journal of Information Ethics

http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/reviews-2.php?isbn=JIE0000003

“interesting mix of contributors...lengthy book reviews”—American Librarians; “welcome...interesting and thought-provoking...highly recommend it for all libraries”—ALR; “readable...important”—People’s Culture; “courageous”—Sipapu; “some of the sharpest and most stimulating essays on the subject...responds to a very real need in the field. ...excellent coverage of this difficult and increasingly complicated subject...a valuable and practical tool”—InfoManage; “thought-provoking columns and articles in a readable style...useful to anyone concerned with information in society. ...recommended”—Special Libraries; “intellectually stimulating...a fine blend of the practical and theoretical...a valuable source”—Library Journal; “strongly recommended”—Journal of Academic Librarianship; “carefully edited...provide[s] readers with full discussions on [the] issues”—Library and Information Science Annual; “well-written pieces by librarians and other scholars. This thought-provoking journal should be required reading for students in library and information science programs and by practitioners and policymakers”—Magazines for Libraries.

4. Research Ethics

http://www.uri.edu/artsci/lsc/Faculty/geaton/Ethics/researchethics.htm

This site has general information about ethics in library information science research and cyberethics.

5. Ethical Considerations for Research and the Internet

http://www.journeyofhearts.org/jofh/jofh_old/minf_528/esearch.htm

This site has basic information on establishing ethical standards for Internet research.

Detailed Resources:

Articles

1. Ethical Decision Making and Internet Research

http://www.aoir.org/reports/ethics.pdf

This document provides an in-depth discussion of recommendations from AoIR on ethical decision making.

2. Internet Research Ethics
http://www.nyu.edu/projects/nissenbaum/ethics_ess.html

“The chapters included here emerge from a remarkable panel presentation organized for the Computer Ethics: Philosophical Enquiries (CEPE) conference held at Lancaster University, December 14-16, 2001. The panel was originally the inspiration of Helen Nissenbaum, who further energetically set about the business of writing the successful grant application to the United States' National Science Foundation.”

3. Ethical Issues of Online Communication Research
http://www.nyu.edu/projects/nissenbaum/ethics_cap_full.html

“The paper addresses several ethical issues in online communication research in light of digital ontology as well as the epistemological questions raised by the blurring boundary between fact and theory in this field.”

4. What is special about the ethical issues in online research?
http://www.nyu.edu/projects/nissenbaum/ethics_elg_full.html

“In the analysis of the ethical problems of online research, there is much to be learned from the work that has already been been done on research ethics in the social sciences and the humanities. I discuss the structure of norms in the Norwegian ethical guidelines for research in the social sciences with respect to their relevance for the ethical issues of Internet research.”

5. Ethics of Internet Research: Contesting the Human Subjects Research Model http://www.nyu.edu/projects/nissenbaum/ethics_bas_full.html
“The human subjects research model is increasingly invoked in discussions of ethics for Internet research. Whilst this model is appropriate in some areas of Internet research such as email communication, we feel that researchers, when navigating the complex terrain of Internet research ethics, need also to consider the Internet as cultural production of texts.”

6. Ethics in Cyberspace Research - Consent, Privacy and Contribution
http://www.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/ethics.html

“The boom of social activities within cyberspace has been followed closely by a boom in the social scientific studies of those activities. Researchers in psychology, sociology, and anthropology have launched scientific expeditions into nearly all of the widespread territories of the internet. Online experimental studies, surveys, interviews, field observations, participant-observation - the whole range of research tools are being brought to bear in this attempt to figure out how people and groups are behaving in the virtual universe.”

7. The Ethics of Research in Cyberspace
http://web.archive.org/web/20040219101644/http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/social/papers/jones.htm

A discussion of the public/private distinctions, informed consent and possible solutions for ethical research in cyberspace.

8. Internet Research: privacy, ethics and alienation
http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/berry2.pdf

“This paper examines some of the ethical problems involved in undertaking Internet research and draws on historical accounts as well as contemporary studies to offer an analysis of the issues raised.”

Opinions:

RESEARCH ETHICS: INTERNET-BASED RESEARCH

http://ca916.tripod.com/index-4.html

“The main purpose of these notes is to increase awareness about a "macro-level" issue in Internet research ethics. This second issue is about the restrictions on the dissemination of research reports that are imposed if they are published only in journals that require the "consumer" of research to pay for access. In contrast, research reports that are freely and openly accessible online may have much greater impact, especially on those who are not themselves researchers or scholars in developed countries.”

My Code of Ethics
http://www.mycodeofethics.org/

“My Code of Ethics is a non-profit movement for the promotion of personal and professional codes of ethics.”

Books:

1. Readings in Virtual Research Ethics: Issues and Controversies - Elizabeth Buchanan

“Text focuses on the challenges facing researchers as they redefine the parameters of acceptable research practices. Provides an in-depth look at the emerging field of online research and the corresponding ethical dilemmas associated with it.”

2. The Impact Of The Internet On Our Moral Lives - Robert Cavalier

"Investigating the impact of the Internet from multiple philosophical perspectives, this book explores issues the Internet poses for our sense of privacy, sensitivity to wrongdoing, and our cultural and personal identity. The electronic culture that influences almost every aspect of our daily lives offers new ethical challenges and creates new areas for philosophical reflection on these challenges. Contributors explore topics such as copyright and intellectual property, trust, student cheating, pornography, and human agency, and the positive and negative impact that the Internet has on our ability to flourish as human beings. These essays provide a fresh perspective and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the philosophical meaning of the Information Age." (http://www.sunypress.edu/details.asp?id=61063)

3. Research Ethics : A Reader - Deni Elliott and Judy Stern

“This reader provides a thorough overview of the ethical dillemas confronting contemporary research scientists.”

Notes:

To join the new online research ethics mailing list, click below:

http://www-static.cc.gatech.edu/~asb/ore/list-info.html

The following terms were used as controlled vocabulary for this e-pathfinder.

1. Ethics
2. Internet/ Cyberspace
3. Online Research

4. Librarian

5. Information Professional

6. Ethical dillemas

7. Ethical considerations

*This e-pathfinder is an ongoing project and the links will be updated on a routine basis. Suggestions and comments are welcome. Please contact me via email.*

Have you ever heard of a blook?

2006-03-10T14:27:00.000-05:00

This is the newest craze among blog writers. A blook is a book that is someone's online blog. "What you are really doing with a blog is writing a book openly." How true and very exciting!

Click here to read the article from US News and World Report
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/articles/060313/13publish.blog.htm

Publish or Panic?

2006-03-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

The most recent issue of US News and World Report features an article that discusses the many different issues of publishing. An important ethical issue arises with the topic of E-books. What are the author's copyrights? Who gets the publisher royalties? What constitutes fair use? In a world where so many things are on the Internet these questions will need to be answered.

Click here to read the story: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/articles/060313/13publish.htm

Librarians, Associations and Society

2006-03-08T13:55:00.000-05:00

Part 1: The Role of the Librarian All professionals have certain ethical responsibilities to their profession, as well as to the entire community. According to Elrod and Smith, “When individuals adopt professional roles, they assume obligations beyond and sometimes in conflict with their personal beliefs.” They coined the phrase, “professional neutrality” to demonstrate the separation of professional commitment and personal values. It is important to make this distinction between personal beliefs and professional ones and abide by it. The American Library Association (ALA) code of ethics specifically states, “We distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.” (http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm). Most of the code has very general statements about ethics, which allows room for interpretation for specific situations. The Internet has become one of the most popular tools for librarians to conduct research. While, the Internet has a vast amount of information, there are a certain ethical responsibilities librarians must consider. The ALA Code of Ethics doesn’t have a specific provision, but it does discuss confidentiality, censorship and intellectual property. The American Association of Internet Researchers (AOIR) also has a document that provides recommendations to researchers, ethicists and students (http://www.aoir.org/reports/ethics.pdf). It is important to note that different cultures and countries have various laws about Internet content, access and design. Librarians must be careful to observe these considerations. One view of internet research ethics comes from Christina Allen and she states that ethical considerations are an integral part of research considerations, “one interwoven as an explicit and intentional dimension of the research project itself” (ibid). All types of librarians (school, legal, corporate and academic) play a part in internet research ethics. It is also vital for these librarians to take an active role in the community in addressing public policy issues. For example, members of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Washington Affairs Office are active in speaking out on important policy issues such as copyright and the revision of Title 44 (Public Printing and Documents). In addition, members monitor legislative, judicial and regulatory actions (http://www.ll.georgetown.edu/aallwash/). Many are also involved in the Library Copyright Alliance, whose mission is to foster global access and fair use of information for creativity, research, and education (http://www.librarycopyrightalliance.org/).” Librarians involved in this alliance work toward a “unified voice and common strategy for the library community in responding to and developing proposals to amend national and international copyright law and policy for the digital environment (ibid).” Part II: Role of the Library Associations While individuals make large contributions to society, associations and institutions also have responsibilities in society. Rafael Capurro states that “it is through institutions as well as through moral and legal codes that we can ensure the right to access and to work for more equitable distribution in order to bridge the information gap between the information poor and the information rich” (http://www.capurro.de/self.htm). Library associations such as ALA, AALL and SLA work together to minimize the digital divide between the information haves and the information have nots. In addition, organizations like SLA seek corporate sponsorship to offer programs, conferences and learning opportunities for members and non-members (http://www.sla.org/). The SLA Student Groups are “designed to provide support and leadership opportunities for library and information science students” (http://www.sla.org/content/community/sgroups/index.cfm). This is particularly important because many library school students need advice and information about the opportunities for library careers. In addition, the association also publishes a monthly magazine called Information Outlook, which is distributed to all members. In the most recent issue of Information Outlook, there is an article that discusses public policy and how SLA is involved in various issues. Doug Newcomb is the lead person of the SLA Public Policy Committee and he “monitors, advocates and lobbies on issues to influence and shape legislation and regulatory proposals that affect SLA’s membership” (Information Outlook, 2006, p 15). One of the key issues is copyright and its application to current law and legislation. SLA continues to monitor and provide input on this issue as well as the many other public policy concerns. With the continued support of organizations like SLA, there can be a positive impact to the global information world. Like many organizations, the AALL has been actively involved in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. While this is not a public policy issue, it is an occasion that is very serious and needs the help of al. Many of the AALL members and law library community suffered devastating losses of materials and AALL members have offered donations, office space and free interlibrary loan. The motto of AALL is to "Maximizing the power of the law library community” (http://www.aall.org/press/ftdo_claire_germain_090105.asp). Through the support of AALL members it is the hope of the organization that it can assist with efforts to restore a somewhat normal life. Capurro believes that “the impact of information technology on society can be transformed through the ethical perspective of technologies of the self” (http://www.capurro.de/self.htm). These technologies of self are ways in which we form our identities. They include the art of friendship, the art of choosing, the art of silence and the art of laughter. In this way information technology can be distributed more equally and the digital divide will decrease. The association and the professional must work together to fulfill their responsibilities in society.

More and More Blogs

2006-02-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

The Expanding Blogosphere

A new report shows blogs are hugely popular, with one started every second. Please click on the link to view this one minute video clip.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=1590496

Five of the most unpopular jobs

2006-02-22T10:50:00.000-05:00

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/Careers/02/08/cb.unpopular.jobs/index.html?section=cnn_latest

Yes, Librarians are # 3! This is very exciting because the job opportunities for librarians should be plenty. "The American Library Association Website quotes statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau indicating that more than one-quarter of all librarians will reach the age of 65 by 2009. A study published in the Library Journal found that 40 percent of library directors would retire by that same year."

Ethical Role of a Librarian

2006-02-13T15:53:00.000-05:00

“The Ethical Role of a Librarian”

American Library Association (ALA) Code of Ethics
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeofethics.pdf

According to Elizabeth Buchanan, “codes of ethics in general can be understood as sets of ‘best practices’”(Spinello, 619). They are not rules, but rather guidelines. I chose to examine the ALA Code of Ethics because it is the foundation of two organizations I belong to: Special Libraries Association (SLA) and the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). The ALA Code of Ethics, which is comprised of eight general principles, was adopted on June 28, 1995. It reflects the utilitarianism foundation, which is based on consequence and that happiness is an intrinsic good. The greatest amount of good is transmitted to the greatest number of people who are affected by the code (Tavini, 46), which in this case are librarians. For example, the first principles states that, “We provide the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.” The goal of this statement is for the highest level of service to be given to all requests and then people will be satisfied.
In addition, the code also reflects the deontology theory, which is founded on the idea that we have duties and obligations to one another. Often times the outcome might make one or more persons unhappy, but we still must follow the principle (50). For example, “We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.” The ethical duty of a librarian is to avoid materials from being censored, often times this causes controversies among groups who think a book is not appropriate for children. While this might make some people unhappy, the librarian must uphold the values of his/her profession.
The ALA code targets the profession at large, as well as the general public. The code states that “…making known to the profession and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the work of librarians, other professionals providing information services, library trustees and library staffs.” The code encompasses not only librarians, but those professions who supply information. According to Michael McFarland, when individuals in the same profession come together, they can accomplish goals and solve ethical dilemmas that would not be possible if they were working alone (Tavini 106). It is vital for librarians to work as a team to uphold their code of ethics. The code doesn’t include any enforcement provisions; however the individual still has a moral responsibility to the profession and to themselves to obey the principles set forth by the ALA Council.
The code is definitely a useful document to present the profession at a national and international level. The ALA Code of Ethics is utilized by other organizations as a guideline. The AALL Code of Ethics state that, “The Code of Ethics incorporates by reference the ALA Code of Ethics…” (http://www.aallnet.org/about/policy_ethics.asp) In addition, it is displayed on numerous library websites as a guide for librarians, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (http://www.ifla.org/faife/ethics/alacode.htm). However, a study by John Moorman revealed that less than half of ALA members surveyed had a copy of the ALA Code of Ethics and only 13% of respondents had referred to the code in work situations. (http://c60jdh1.lib.niu.edu/ipo/1995/il9503140.html). While this survey was done before the code was revised in 1995, it still shows that the ALA must do a better job of promoting the code.
The ALA Code of Ethics includes references to public policy issues, such as privacy and censorship. The code states that, “We do not advance private interests at the expense of library users, colleagues, or our employing institutions.” Privacy is a concern that affects all types of businesses because professionals must differentiate between their private interests and those of the company. The code also affirms that the information professional must protect “the library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.” This is similar to the confidentiality agreement between and attorney and his/her client. This could turn into an ethical dilemma if the librarian is acquiring information that is immoral. Censorship, as discussed above, is another public policy issue that plagues the world. The most recent example is the censorship of the Chinese government on the Google website. The code asks that all efforts should be made to resist censoring library materials. Everyone should have equal access to information.
The ALA Code of Ethics as it was written in 1995 provides eight general guidelines for information professionals to follow. While the guidelines are not specific, I believe the generality allows for more interpretation. If I were to update the code, I would definitely add another principle about the Internet and access of electronic resources. I would keep it general, but still reinforce the importance of CyberEthics. In addition, I would add another principle specifically about ethnic diversity. While there is a principle about treating others fairly, I think diversity is an important issue to have its own statement. I would not include anything about workplace surveillance of employees as this code was written for the profession as a whole, not individuals. In general, I think the current version of the ALA Code of Ethics is a good foundation for librarians to use. I would add two more principles, in order to deal with current issues.

Just getting started

2006-02-05T23:08:00.000-05:00

Title: Ethics in Internet Researching

Scope: This electronic pathfinder will be primarily for librarians conducting online research. It will include mostly electronic resources with references to some books and articles. The websites contained in this pathfinder will focus on the ethically considerations necessary during internet researching.

General:

Associations

Association of Internet Researchers
http://www.aoir.org/

This website is host the Association of Internet Researchers and has a wealth of of general as well as specific information on internet research. While membership is required to view detailed information many of the resources on the site are free, including the Ethics report approved by the membership of AoIR.

Code of Ethics of the American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm

This websites provides the code of ethics approved the American Library Association. It is an excellent starting point for librarians to use a basis when conducting online research.

Resources

INTERNET LIBRARY FOR LIBRARIANS
http://www.itcompany.com/inforetriever/index.html

This website is an internet library for librarians and provides links to a wealth of information. Although, the site doesn’t focus on ethics specifically it is a good place to get background materials, including information on copyright.

Journal of Ethics and Information Technology
http://www.springerlink.com/link.asp?id=103461

This journal has an online abstract archive going back to March 1999. Purchase of full text articles is available. “Ethics and Information Technology is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the dialogue between moral philosophy and the field of information and communication technology (ICT). The journal aims to foster and promote reflection and analysis which is intended to make a constructive contribution to answering the ethical, social and political questions associated with the adoption, use, and development of ICT.”

Specific/Detailed:

Articles
Ethical Decision Making and Internet Research
http://www.aoir.org/reports/ethics.pdf
This document provides an in-depth discussion of recommendations from AoIR on ethical decision making.

Internet Research Ethics
http://www.nyu.edu/projects/nissenbaum/ethics_ess.html

Ethical Issues of Online Communication Research
http://www.nyu.edu/projects/nissenbaum/ethics_cap_full.html

“The paper addresses several ethical issues in online communication research in light of digital ontology as well as the epistemological questions raised by the blurring boundary between fact and theory in this field.”

What is special about the ethical issues in online research?
http://www.nyu.edu/projects/nissenbaum/ethics_elg_full.html

“In the analysis of the ethical problems of online research, there is much to be learned from the work that has already been done on research ethics in the social sciences and the humanities. I discuss the structure of norms in the Norwegian ethical guidelines for research in the social sciences with respect to their relevance for the ethical issues of Internet research.”

Opinions
RESEARCH ETHICS: INTERNET-BASED RESEARCH
http://ca916.tripod.com/index-4.html

“The main purpose of these notes is to increase awareness about a "macro-level" issue in Internet research ethics. This second issue is about the restrictions on the dissemination of research reports that are imposed if they are published only in journals that require the "consumer" of research to pay for access. In contrast, research reports that are freely and openly accessible online may have much greater impact, especially on those who are not themselves researchers or scholars in developed countries.”

Search terms: Internet Research, Ethics, Librarians

iPod Lawsuit

2006-02-02T15:54:00.000-05:00

from CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/02/01/ipod.suit.ap/index.html

Ethical dilemma? Perhaps? A San Francisco man has filed a law suit against Apple claiming that iPods can cause hearing loss in people who use them. This is definitely scary, but I think the same could be said for someone who plays their radio or CD too loud. Personally, I don't think he will win, but it is up to the court now.

An Ethical Dillemma

2006-01-30T12:08:00.000-05:00

Should all website users have access?

Importance of Access for All Users

I am employed at a website design company and I have just been assigned the task of developing a website for a local non-profit organization that has users who speak various different languages, including Spanish, French and English. Sounds easy enough, however my supervisors don’t feel it is necessary to have the website in multiple languages, only in English. They believe it is not worth my time or money. I am faced with a dilemma because I believe access should be provided equally to all users, regardless of the language they speak. In fact, I think having a website that is tri-lingual will enhance the site.

I have decided to use the Potter Box model as a tool to assist in evaluating my situation. The model examines four different dimensions.

1. Empirical Definition

My viewpoint: A website needs to be developed for a non-profit organization which has users who speak multiple languages. The management team only wants the website designed in English because of time and money constraints. I believe the site should be created in all the languages the users speak to avoid a digital divide. The management team and the users will be affected by my decision. Who should be satisfied management or users?

Management Team (my bosses): The majority of the users speak English, so it would be a waste of resources to have the site in 3 different languages. In addition, the organization is on a tight deadline and needs the site done in a week.

Owners of Non-profit: They want the website designed in the least expensive way, but benefiting the most users.

Users: All users want to be able to use and view the website in the language they speak. Otherwise, the information is useless.

2. Identify Values

I believe in providing equal access to information and not designing a website with the capability of being in other languages, would be against my values. If I know in advance that users speak Spanish, French and English, I feel morally obligated to have the website in those languages. I seek to decrease the digital divide among people, not increase it. While it will take more time to make the site in three languages as opposed to one, in the long run it will benefit the organization. In addition, my loyalty would reside with the organization and users. The goal of the website is to help users and provide them with information. If they can’t read or understand the site, then it is useless. I want the users and the organization to trust me. While, I would like my supervisors to trust me and my work, I would explain to them why I want to go against their decision. In addition, social benefit is another value that I believe is important. If the community can benefit, then it is a good project to pursue.

3. Identifying Principles

The moral principles that can be applied are the following:
1. Mill’s Principle of Utility - Seeking the greatest happiness for the greatest number. I would like all the users to be satisfied, not just those that speak English. While the supervisors might not be immediately happy, they will after the site is released and can be used everyone, not just a select few. This pertains to sustaining loyalty to the users.
2. Kant’s Categorical Imperative - Acting on the maximum to have that become universal law. This can apply to the values of social benefit because maximum use will be obtained if the website is in three different languages.
3. Moor’s Just Consequentialism - Although more of a theory, Moor believes that the consequences of policies should be within the confines of justice to be ethical. He focuses more on how the consequences effect the situation. In my dilemma the consequences of designing a website in three languages will be positive. Since the supervisors are unsure about the project, there might be a negative consequence if the site is designed poorly or doesn’t function in the manner for maximum use.

4. Choosing Loyalties

If I base my action on the principle of utility I am being loyal to the users and have little regard for the supervisors who represent a smaller number of people than the users. However, I do need to maintain my job, so going behind the back of the management to make the users happier would not be good. The best way to solve this problem is to show the supervisors with concrete examples how having a multi-lingual website will benefit the organization. Show examples and collect data from other organizations with the same situation. If I base my action on the principle of categorical imperative I would also be giving loyalty to the users. The Just Consequentialism theory would create loyalties for all involved (users, management and organization).

I would choose to design a website that will be in French, Spanish and English within the given deadline. In addition, I would show my supervisors examples of other websites that are multi-lingual and have been successful. I would also stress the importance of having the information available to all users; otherwise the website will be a waste of time. I strongly believe that the organization will see immediate positive results from the website, which can be accessible to users who speak English, as well as French and Spanish. The users, organization and my supervisors will benefit from my project and gain a sense of trust and loyalty to my work. In the future, the organization will look to me and my company for repeat business. This will also make the management team happy.

Sources:

Backus, N. and Ferraris, C. (2004) “Theory meets practice: using the Potter Box to teach business communications ethics.” Proceedings of the 2004 Association for Business Communication Annual Convention.

Ethical Decision-making Models Across the Professions (2003). PowerPoint Presentation.

Moor J.H. (2004). Just consequentialism and computing. Readings in CyberEthics, pp.107-13.

Blog# 2 - Technologies and Society

2006-01-25T17:16:00.000-05:00

The Winner article discusses how technological items have qualities that can exert power and authority. At first glance, I thought to myself, “no way”, but the more I contemplated the situation, the more I realized how much technology has political characteristics. In addition, Winner states the importance of society in technology and how they relate, “societies choose structures for technologies that influence how people are going to work, communicate, travel, consumes…In the processes by which structuring decisions are made, different people are situated differently and possess unequal degrees of power…” (p. 8). People are divided in society not only because of politics, but because of the design and arrangement of tangible, technological objects. Technology does create power and authority. The example that I think of is, the television.

In Rafel Capurro’s article he also discusses technology and society, but refers to it as an ethical challenge. How the benefits from it be distributed equally? There not only needs to be a legal code of ethics with respect to technology, but also a self-moral code as well. Capurro says that through institutions and moral and legal codes we can decrease the informational divide among the “information poor” and the “information rich.” This brings out a point of why I chose to pursue a degree in information science.

As a researcher in a large firm library, I usually see the side of the “information rich.” As a for-profit library, acquiring materials is never a problem. The attorneys have the resources to obtain information quickly and usually for a reasonable price. In addition, the researchers who work in the library have access to the necessary books, electronic databases and software to perform their job with optimal success. However, on the other side is a small law firm library who is the “information poor.” They don’t have the resources or funds to access all the expensive databases or purchase costly books. As an information professional, I want to see this gap diminish. While, companies must make money, I think it is important for librarians to share (as long as it is in the contract) information with others. Another reason for wanting to pursue a degree in library science is the aspect of helping others. I enjoy assisting attorneys with finding obscure government documents or an old medical journal article. In addition, I think the public library system is vital to the success of individuals. If someone can’t afford a computer, they have free access at their local library. This can also help diminish the information gap. Another value of the information professional field, is the importance of cultural and ethnic identities. Each person is treated as an equal and is privy to the same information. There are no racial or ethnic boundaries. The wealth of knowledge on the Internet has made it even easier for people to obtain information and this excites me.

Technology has taken great strides since I typed my first paper on a type writer or had to wait weeks to develop film from a vacation. The following is a chronological list (to the best of my knowledge) about technology and society and how it has affected me.

1992 - Typed my papers on a typewriter/word processor
1994 - My first portable CD player
1996 - My first personal computer (desktop)
1998 - My first laptop
1998 - My first DVD player
2000 - My first cell phone
2000 - Purchased my first airline tickets online
2001 - My first digital camera (very big J)
2005 - My first digital video camera
2005 - My first iPod

All of these technologies have affected the way I live…what would I ever do without a cell phone (haha :-)

NY Times Article

2006-01-25T15:02:00.000-05:00

January 25, 2006
After Subpoenas, Internet Searches Give Some Pause
By KATIE HAFNER
Kathryn Hanson, a former telecommunications engineer who lives in Oakland, Calif., was looking at BBC News online last week when she came across an item about a British politician who had resigned over a reported affair with a "rent boy."
It was the first time Ms. Hanson had seen the term, so, in search of a definition, she typed it into Google. As Ms. Hanson scrolled through the results, she saw that several of the sites were available only to people over 18. She suddenly had a frightening thought. Would Google have to inform the government that she was looking for a rent boy - a young male prostitute?
Ms. Hanson, 45, immediately told her boyfriend what she had done. "I told him I'd Googled 'rent boy,' just in case I got whisked off to some Navy prison in the dead of night," she said.
Ms. Hanson's reaction arose from last week's reports that as part of its effort to uphold an online pornography law, the Justice Department had asked a federal judge to compel Google to turn over records on millions of its users' search queries. Google is resisting the request, but three of its competitors - Yahoo, MSN and America Online - have turned over similar information.
The government and the cooperating companies say the search queries cannot be traced to their source, and therefore no personal information about users is being given up. But the government's move is one of several recent episodes that have caused some people to think twice about the information they type into a search engine, or the opinions they express in an e-mail message.
The government has been more aggressive recently in its efforts to obtain data on Internet activity, invoking the fight against terrorism and the prosecution of online crime. A surveillance program in which the National Security Agency intercepted certain international phone calls and e-mail in the United States without court-approved warrants prompted an outcry among civil libertarians. And under the antiterrorism USA Patriot Act, the Justice Department has demanded records on library patrons' Internet use.
Those actions have put some Internet users on edge, as they confront the complications and contradictions of online life.
Jim Kowats, 34, a television producer who lives in Washington, has been growing increasingly concerned about the government's data collection efforts. "I'm not a conspiracy theorist, I just feel like it's one step away from ... what's the next step?" Mr. Kowats said. "The government's going to start looking into all this other stuff."
Until last year, Mr. Kowats worked at the Discovery Channel, and a few years ago, in the course of putting together a documentary on circumcision, he and his colleagues were doing much of the research online. "When you're researching something like that and you look up the word 'circumcision,' you're going to end up with all kinds of pictures of naked children," he said. "And that can be misconstrued."
"There're so many things you can accidentally fall into when you're surfing on the Internet," he said. "I mean, you can type in almost anything and you're going to end up with something you didn't expect."
Privacy is an elusive concept, and when it comes to what is considered acceptable, people tend to draw the line at different points on the privacy spectrum.
Ming-Wai Farrell, 25, who works for a legal industry trade association in Washington, is one of those who draw the line somewhere in the middle. They are willing to part with personal information as long as they get something in return - the convenience of online banking, for example, or useful information from a search engine - and as long as they know what is to be done with the information.
Yet these same people are sometimes appalled when they learn of wholesale data gathering. Ms. Farrell said she would not be able to live without online banking, electronic bill paying or Google, but she would consider revising her Web activity if she had to question every search term, online donation or purchase.
"It's scary to think that it may just be a matter of time before Googling will invite an F.B.I. agent to tap your phone or interrogate you," Ms. Farrell said.
Mike Winkleman, 27, a law student who lives in Miami and, like Ms. Farrell, belongs to the generation of people who came of age with the Internet, said he would like to think that the erosion of his privacy was for "a good cause, like national security or preventing child porn," he said. "But I can't help but feel that for each inch I give, a mile will be taken."
But Josh Cohen, a financial adviser in Chicago, identifies more closely with a subset of Internet users who see the loss of at least some privacy as the price they pay for being on the Web. Mr. Cohen, 34, said he was willing to accept that tradeoff in the pursuit of national security.
"We as U.S. citizens have got to start making concessions," he said. "In order for the government to catch people that prey on children, or fight the war on terror, they are going to need the help of the search engines."
Mr. Cohen said he doubted there would be much compromising of his individual privacy because the amount of data collected by the government was so voluminous. "My rationale tells me that with close to 300 million people in the U.S., and about 45 to 50 percent of households having Internet access, that I don't need to be too concerned with my search engine behavior," he said.
Susan P. Crawford, a professor at the Cardozo School of Law in New York, agreed that the sheer volume of information obtained by the government was likely to dilute privacy threats.
"More experienced Internet users would understand that in the mountain of search-related data available in response to a subpoena, it is very unlikely that anything referring to them personally would be revealed," Professor Crawford said.
She likened one's online activity to walking down the street. "We walk down the street all the time and we can be seen there," she said. "We also move around online, and can be 'seen' to some extent there as well. But we continue to go for walks."
Nevertheless, last week's court motion is giving some people pause. Sheryl Decker, 47, an information technology manager in Seattle, said she was now thinking twice about what she said in her personal e-mail correspondence. "I have been known to send very unflattering things about our government and our president," Ms. Decker said. "I still do, but I am careful about using certain phrases that I once wouldn't have given a second thought."
Ms. Decker's caution is being echoed by others. Genny Ballard, 36, a professor of Spanish at Centre College in Danville, Ky., said she had grown more conscious about what she typed into the Google search box. "Each time I put something in, I think about how it could be reconstructed to mean that I have more than an academic curiosity," Ms. Ballard said.
To be sure, Google is citing a number of reasons for resisting the government's subpoena, including concern about trade secrets and the burden of compliance. While it does not directly assert that surrendering the data would expose personal information, it has told the government that "one can envision scenarios where queries alone could reveal identifying information about a specific Google user, which is another outcome that Google cannot accept."
Ms. Hanson, who did the "rent boy" search, said that although she was aware that personal information was not being required in the Google case, she remained uneasy.
She pointed to a continuing interest she has in the Palestinian elections. "If I followed my curiosity and did some Web research, going to Web sites of the parties involved, I would honestly wonder whether someone in my government would someday see my name on a list of people who went to 'terrorist' Web sites," she said.
Mr. Kowats, the television producer, shares that fear. "Where does it stop?" he said. "What about file sharing? Scalping tickets? Or traveling to Cuba? What if you look up abortion? Who says you can't look up those things? What are the limits? It's the little chipping away. It's a slippery slope."

Blog #1 - Defining Information Ethics for Today

2006-01-23T16:51:00.000-05:00

Bynum’s article on “Ethics and the Information Revolution” describes how information and communication technology (ICT) has taken over the world and changed the way we live our lives. Bynum brings up an interesting point that for the first time ethics and values will be debated across the whole globe and affect everyone. The question then remains, whose laws govern the Internet? In addition, he discusses the future of computer ethics and one theory states that computer ethics might eventually disappear. I think it will always exist, but just in a different form. The Internet and cyberspace are here to stay and we as a global community must adapt to the changes.

In a recent article in the Legal Times, Chere Estrin discusses the controversies of blogging on the job especially in law firms and if a person is protected by the First Amendment. She discusses one example where a Delta Airlines flight attendant claims she was fired over inappropriate pictures (she was in uniform) she posted on her blog web site. The Electronic Froniter Foundation goes onto say that, “While your right to free speech is protected by the First Amendment, this protection does not shield you from the consequences of what you say.” I find this comment very interesting and had never thought of First Amendment rights in this way before. In addition, is it ethical for a person, such as the flight attendant, to post unsuitable pictures on the Internet? To me, the Internet is a public domain and not government regulated, so technically you are not protected by the First Amendment. In addition, I believe posting these inappropriate pictures is unethical and the company reserves the right to take it’s own disciplinary actions against the employee.

The article also discusses the issue of anonymity when employees are talking about their law firm/company on a blog site in a damaging way. To me, although the person might not state their name, there is always a way to find out the identity of the person making negative comments. If you blog something, it becomes available to the whole world. To that extent, you should be very cautious about what is being written on the blog site. The article also brings up another ethical issue, if you read about information you know is confidential (a case or a client) on a blog and say nothing are you also guilty? While the policies for blogging are not formally written, I believe in the near feature there will be rules about confidentiality and what is appropriate and inappropriate. (“To blog or not to blog,” Legal Times, December 19, 2005, p.21 & 23).

Another ethical issue that presents itself in the information world is copyright. Copyright has always been an issue, but the development of the Internet has made it easier for individuals to obtain information without adhering to copyright laws. The most well-known offense is downloading music without paying for it. Is this ethical? I think it is unethical to download music and/or videos without paying for them. It is the same as going into Best Buy and stealing a CD or DVD. Most everyone would agree that this is wrong, so it is the same with obtaining music from the Internet.

First Blog Posting

2006-01-12T15:41:00.000-05:00

This is my very first blog posting. I am excited to use this site and create an electronic portfolio for my information ethics class.