Ethics and

Etiquettes in
Digital Technology

MODULE-1: Introduction to Digital Technology Ethics

Harish Noula
Vidyalankar School of
Information Technology
Wadala (E), Mumbai
www.vsit.edu.in
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Assistant Professor
Department of Management

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 Module 1: Introduction to Digital Technology Ethics

Understanding Digital Ethics

Digital ethics refers to the study and application of moral principles and values guiding the
responsible use of digital technologies and online behavior. It focuses on how individuals,
organizations, and societies should behave in the digital environment to ensure fairness,
privacy, security, and respect for others.
Digital ethics :
1. Definition and Importance
Digital ethics governs the right and wrong conduct in the digital world, ensuring
technology is used responsibly and ethically. It helps address challenges arising from
rapid technological advancements, such as data privacy, cyberbullying, intellectual
property, and digital surveillance.
2. Core Principles of Digital Ethics
o Privacy: Respecting individuals’ rights to control their personal information
online.
o Security: Protecting data and systems from unauthorized access or harm.
o Transparency: Being clear about how data is collected, used, and shared.
o Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and decisions made in
digital environments.
o Respect: Treating others with dignity and avoiding harmful behaviors like
cyberbullying.
3. Ethical Issues in Digital Technology
Some common ethical concerns include:
o Data misuse and breaches of confidentiality.
o Digital divide causing inequality in access to technology.
o Fake news and misinformation spreading online.
o AI and automation ethics, ensuring fairness and avoiding bias.
4. Role of Digital Ethics in Society
Digital ethics guides policymakers, developers, businesses, and users to create a safer
and more equitable digital space. It promotes trust in digital services and helps
prevent misuse or harm caused by technology.
5. Examples
o Following copyright laws and avoiding piracy.
o Securing personal data on social media.
o Ethical AI development to avoid discrimination.
o Respecting online community guidelines to prevent harassment.
2.Responsible Digital Citizenship

Responsible digital citizenship refers to the ethical and appropriate use of technology and
the internet by individuals to contribute positively to the digital community. It involves
understanding the rights, responsibilities, and behaviors expected when interacting online.

1. Definition and Importance

Digital citizenship means being a responsible member of the online world, using
digital tools safely, ethically, and respectfully. It ensures that individuals contribute to
a positive, inclusive, and safe digital environment.

2. Core Elements of Responsible Digital Citizenship

o Respect and kindness: Treating others with respect, avoiding cyberbullying,
and promoting positive communication.

o Digital literacy: Understanding how to use digital technologies effectively

and critically.

o Privacy protection: Safeguarding personal information and respecting others’

privacy online.

o Lawfulness: Following legal guidelines, such as copyright laws and terms of

service.

o Security awareness: Using strong passwords, avoiding phishing scams, and

protecting devices from threats.

3. Responsibilities of a Digital Citizen

o Think before posting: Consider the impact of your digital footprint on yourself
and others.

o Share truthful information: Avoid spreading fake news or misinformation.

o Report inappropriate behavior or content to protect others.

o Respect intellectual property by not plagiarizing or pirating digital content.

o Support inclusivity and avoid discrimination online.

4. Consequences of Irresponsible Digital Behavior

Irresponsible use can lead to cyberbullying, privacy breaches, legal problems,
damaged reputations, and mental health issues.
5. Role in Society
Responsible digital citizens help build a safer and more trustworthy online
community. They foster respect, collaboration, and positive engagement, which
benefits society as a whole.
3.Unintended Consequences of Technology
Unintended consequences of technology refer to outcomes that are not foreseen or intended
by the creators or users of technological innovations. While technology aims to solve
problems and improve life, it often brings unexpected positive or negative effects.
Key points to explain unintended consequences of technology:
1. Definition and Overview
Unintended consequences occur when technology produces results beyond its original
purpose, sometimes causing new challenges or problems.
2. Types of Unintended Consequences
o Positive unintended consequences: Benefits that were not anticipated, such
as new industries or improved communication.
o Negative unintended consequences: Harmful effects like social disruption,
environmental damage, or privacy issues.
o Perverse consequences: Situations where technology causes the opposite
effect of what was intended.
3. Examples of Negative Unintended Consequences
o Environmental impact: Industrial machines and vehicles improved
productivity but caused pollution and climate change.
o Job displacement: Automation and AI have increased efficiency but led to
unemployment in certain sectors.
o Privacy invasion: The rise of social media and smartphones improved
connectivity but also led to data breaches and loss of privacy.
o Social isolation: Although technology connects people virtually, excessive use
can reduce face-to-face interactions and increase loneliness.
o Spread of misinformation: The internet allows easy sharing of information
but also facilitates the rapid spread of fake news.
4. Causes of Unintended Consequences
o Lack of foresight or comprehensive planning.
o Complex interactions in society that are hard to predict.
o Rapid technological advancement outpacing ethical or regulatory measures.
5. Managing Unintended Consequences
o Conducting thorough impact assessments before deploying technology.
o Implementing regulations and ethical guidelines.
o Promoting responsible use and awareness among users.
o Continuous monitoring and adaptation to new challenges.
 Problem Faced in Digital Technology

1. Privacy and Security Issues

• Data breaches expose personal and financial information.

• Surveillance by governments and corporations raises ethical concerns.
• Tracking and profiling through cookies and apps lead to loss of anonymity.

2. Cybercrime

• Hacking, phishing, ransomware, and identity theft are increasing.

• Online fraud and scams affect individuals and businesses alike.

3. Digital Addiction

• Excessive use of smartphones, social media, and gaming can lead to:
o Mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression)
o Sleep disturbances
o Reduced attention span

4. Misinformation and Fake News

• Easy spread of false or misleading information on social media platforms.

• Can influence public opinion, elections, health choices, etc.

5. Job Displacement

• Automation and AI are replacing certain jobs, especially in:

o Manufacturing
o Retail
o Customer service

6. Digital Divide

• Unequal access to digital technology based on:

o Economic status
o Geography (urban vs rural)
o Education level
• Creates inequality in opportunities for education and employment.

7. Environmental Impact

• E-waste from discarded devices.

• High energy consumption from data centers and cryptocurrency mining.

8. Social Isolation

• Face-to-face interactions are being replaced by digital communication.

• Can weaken personal relationships and social skills.
9. Ethical and Moral Concerns

• Use of AI and facial recognition raises issues about:

o Bias and discrimination
o Consent
o Accountability

10. Overdependence on Technology

• People may struggle with basic tasks without digital tools.

• System failures or outages can cause widespread disruption.
 Privacy Challenges in the Digital Realm

With the rapid growth of digital technologies and the internet, privacy concerns have become
a significant challenge. The digital realm introduces several issues that threaten individuals'
privacy:

1. Data Collection and Surveillance

Digital platforms, apps, and websites collect vast amounts of personal data, often without
explicit consent or awareness of users. This data includes browsing habits, location,
communication, financial transactions, and even biometric information. Governments and
corporations can use this data for surveillance, sometimes infringing on individuals' rights.
2. Data Breaches and Cyber Attacks
Large databases containing personal information are attractive targets for hackers. Data
breaches can expose sensitive personal data such as social security numbers, passwords, and
credit card information, leading to identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage.
3. Lack of Transparency and Control
Many digital services have complex privacy policies that users do not fully understand. Users
often lack control over how their data is used, shared, or sold to third parties, including
advertisers and data brokers.
4. Tracking and Profiling
Online activities are tracked using cookies, browser fingerprinting, and other methods to
build detailed user profiles. These profiles can be used to manipulate user behavior, target
advertisements, or even influence political opinions, raising ethical concerns.
5. Challenges of Anonymity and Pseudonymity
While anonymity on the internet can protect privacy, it can also be exploited for harmful
activities. Conversely, maintaining privacy while using digital services often requires
pseudonymity, which can be hard to preserve due to sophisticated tracking techniques.
6. Inadequate Legal Frameworks
Privacy laws vary widely across countries, and enforcement is often weak or inconsistent.
The rapid pace of technological change outstrips the development of appropriate regulations,
leaving gaps in protections.
7. Emergence of New Technologies
Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and facial recognition
add new layers of complexity. For example, IoT devices constantly collect personal data from
homes, and AI systems can infer sensitive information from seemingly innocuous data.
 GDPR and Other Privacy Regulations

1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

The GDPR is a landmark data protection law implemented by the European Union in May
2018. It aims to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens and regulate how
organizations collect, process, and store personal data.

• Features of GDPR:

Consent: Organizations must obtain clear and explicit consent from individuals before
processing their data.

Right to Access: Individuals have the right to access their personal data held by
organizations.

Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): Users can request deletion of their personal data
under certain conditions.

Data Portability: Individuals can transfer their data from one service provider to another.

Breach Notification: Organizations must report data breaches within 72 hours to authorities
and affected individuals.

Accountability and Transparency: Companies must be transparent about data processing

and implement data protection measures.

Heavy Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to 4% of global annual turnover or

€20 million, whichever is higher.

2. Other Major Privacy Regulations:

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

Enacted in 2020, CCPA protects the privacy rights of California residents. It grants
consumers rights similar to GDPR, including the right to know what personal data is
collected, to delete data, and to opt-out of data selling.
• Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) – Singapore:
This law governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data in Singapore. It
emphasizes consent and purpose limitation.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) – USA:
Focused on healthcare data, HIPAA protects sensitive patient health information from
unauthorized disclosure.
• Other Regional Laws:
Many countries like Canada (PIPEDA), Brazil (LGPD), and India (proposed PDP Bill) have
enacted or are working on their own data privacy regulations to protect citizens' data.

3. Importance of Privacy Regulations:

• They empower individuals with control over their personal data.

• They hold organizations accountable for data protection.
• They foster trust between consumers and businesses.
• They ensure data is handled ethically and securely.

4. Challenges:

• Varying standards across countries can create compliance complexities for multinational
companies.
• Rapid technological advancements require constant updates to laws.
• Enforcement and awareness remain ongoing challenges.
Sustainability Analysis and Ethical Decision-Making in Technology Development

1. Sustainability Analysis in Technology Development:

Sustainability analysis involves evaluating the environmental, social, and economic impacts
of technology throughout its lifecycle—from design and production to usage and disposal.
The goal is to ensure that technological innovations meet present needs without
compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.

• Environmental Impact:
Assessing energy consumption, carbon footprint, resource use (like rare minerals), and e-
waste generated by technology. Sustainable technologies minimize pollution, reduce
waste, and promote recycling or reuse.
• Social Impact:
Considering how technology affects communities, including access to technology, job
creation or displacement, and impact on health and safety. Technologies should promote
inclusivity and social well-being.
• Economic Impact:
Evaluating cost-effectiveness, affordability, and long-term economic benefits or risks.
Sustainable technology should support economic growth without harming society or the
environment.

2. Ethical Decision-Making in Technology Development:

Ethical decision-making ensures that technology is designed, developed, and deployed
responsibly, respecting human rights, fairness, and societal values.

• Privacy and Data Protection:

Developers must consider user privacy and secure handling of personal data, avoiding
misuse or unauthorized access.
• Transparency and Accountability:
Technology creators should be transparent about how technologies work and take
responsibility for their impacts, including unintended consequences.
• Bias and Fairness:
Avoid embedding biases in algorithms or systems that could lead to discrimination based
on race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
• Informed Consent:
Users should be informed about how technology affects them and provide consent,
especially in AI and data-driven applications.
• Long-Term Consequences:
Ethical decisions consider not only immediate benefits but also potential long-term
societal and environmental effects.

3. Importance of Combining Sustainability and Ethics:

• Encourages innovation that benefits society and the planet.

• Builds public trust in technology.
• Helps avoid legal, social, and environmental risks.
• Supports corporate social responsibility and compliance with regulations.

4. Examples:
• Designing energy-efficient data centers to reduce environmental impact.
• Creating AI systems that are transparent and free from discriminatory biases.
• Developing biodegradable electronic components to tackle e-waste.
Case Study 1: Cambridge Analytica and Facebook Data Scandal

Background:
In 2018, it was revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a political consulting firm, harvested
personal data from millions of Facebook users without their explicit consent. This data was
allegedly used to influence voter behavior in political campaigns, including the 2016 US
Presidential election and the Brexit referendum.

Ethical Issues:

• Privacy Violation: Users’ personal information was collected through a third-party

app, but this data was shared with Cambridge Analytica without users’ knowledge or
consent.
• Informed Consent: Facebook failed to ensure that users understood how their data
would be used, violating principles of informed consent.
• Manipulation and Deception: The use of personal data to create targeted political
ads raised concerns about manipulation of public opinion and democratic processes.
• Accountability: Both Facebook and Cambridge Analytica faced criticism for lack of
accountability in protecting user data and for misuse of that data.

Impact:

• Global outrage led to investigations by regulatory bodies, including the US Federal

Trade Commission (FTC) and the European Union.
• Facebook was fined $5 billion by the FTC and faced increased scrutiny over its data
privacy policies.
• The scandal raised awareness about digital privacy and prompted calls for stronger
data protection laws like GDPR.

Lessons Learned:

• The importance of transparent data collection and clear user consent.

• The need for robust data governance policies in digital platforms.
• Ethical responsibility of tech companies to protect user data and prevent misuse.
• The role of regulation in ensuring ethical digital behavior.
Case Study 2: Autonomous Vehicles and Ethical Decision-Making (The Trolley
Problem)

Background:
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) use AI to make real-time decisions, including in critical
situations where harm might be unavoidable. A classic ethical dilemma often discussed is a
variant of the "trolley problem": if an AV must choose between hitting pedestrians or
sacrificing its passenger, how should it decide?

Ethical Issues:

• Moral Decision-Making: How should AV algorithms be programmed to make

decisions involving human life?
• Responsibility and Liability: Who is accountable if the vehicle causes harm—the
manufacturer, programmer, or user?
• Transparency: Should AV manufacturers disclose how their decision-making
algorithms work?
• Value Judgments: How to encode societal values, such as prioritizing certain lives
over others?

Impact:

• Governments and industry groups have begun developing ethical guidelines and
standards for AV decision-making.
• Public debates focus on trust and acceptance of AV technology, hinging on ethical
transparency.
• Ethical concerns influence the regulatory landscape and technological design choices.

Lessons Learned:

• Ethical frameworks must be integrated into AI development from the start.

• Multidisciplinary collaboration (ethics, engineering, law) is essential for responsible
innovation.
• Public engagement and dialogue are crucial in shaping acceptable ethical standards.
• Ethical AI requires continuous review as technology and societal norms evolve.
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Digital Ethics

In the contemporary digital age, the ethical use of technology is a global concern, but ethical
norms and responses to digital challenges vary significantly across cultures. Cross-cultural
perspectives on digital ethics explore how different societies understand, interpret, and
manage ethical issues in the digital space, influenced by their historical, social, political, and
philosophical foundations.

Understanding Digital Ethics

Digital ethics refers to the moral principles governing the use of digital technologies such as
artificial intelligence (AI), social media, surveillance systems, and data analytics. These
principles address issues like privacy, data protection, algorithmic fairness, freedom of
expression, and accountability in technology use.

However, the interpretation of these principles is not universal. What one culture may
consider a fundamental right (e.g., individual privacy), another may view through the lens of
collective welfare or state security.

Cultural Variations in Ethical Perspectives

1. Privacy and Data Protection

In Western societies, especially Europe, privacy is deeply tied to individual autonomy
and human dignity. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a legal
manifestation of this perspective. In contrast, in countries like China, privacy is often
balanced against state interests and collective security. The concept of individual data
ownership may be less emphasized in favor of social stability and surveillance for
public safety.
2. Surveillance and Social Control
While surveillance is widely critiqued in liberal democracies as a potential threat to
civil liberties, some Asian societies view state monitoring as a means of maintaining
social order. For example, China’s social credit system is justified by the government
as a tool for promoting trustworthiness and discouraging harmful behavior.
3. Freedom of Expression and Censorship
Western democracies generally uphold freedom of speech as a core ethical value.
However, in some parts of the world, such as the Middle East or parts of Asia,
restrictions on speech are often justified in the interest of religious values, social
harmony, or national security.
4. Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Bias
Ethical concerns over AI—such as bias, transparency, and accountability—are
gaining global attention. However, the urgency and approach differ. Western nations
emphasize fairness and transparency, while some developing countries prioritize
economic development and technological advancement, sometimes at the expense of
rigorous ethical oversight.
Theoretical and Ethical Frameworks

Cross-cultural digital ethics can be examined through frameworks such as:

• Cultural Relativism: Ethical values depend on cultural context. No single standard

applies globally.
• Ethical Universalism: Certain rights and values (e.g., freedom from discrimination)
should be upheld worldwide, regardless of cultural context.
• Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions: Helps explain why societies prioritize different
digital ethical concerns (e.g., individualism vs collectivism, high vs low power
distance).
• Stakeholder Theory: Encourages inclusive decision-making that considers the
cultural diversity of affected populations.

Global Challenges and the Way Forward

Globalization and the borderless nature of the internet make it difficult to apply uniform
ethical standards. International companies often struggle with navigating conflicting ethical
norms. For example, a U.S.-based social media company may face backlash for complying
with content censorship laws in authoritarian regimes.

Thus, there is a growing call for:

• Culturally inclusive ethical frameworks that respect diversity while protecting

fundamental rights.
• Global governance mechanisms (e.g., UNESCO’s AI Ethics recommendations) to
encourage cooperation on key digital ethics issues.
• Digital literacy and public awareness initiatives tailored to local cultures to
empower users and promote responsible tech use.
Graded Questions

1. What is digital ethics, and why is it important in today’s technology-driven world?

2. Name three core principles of digital ethics.
3. How does responsible digital citizenship contribute to a safer online environment?
4. Give two examples of unintended negative consequences of technology.
5. What are some common privacy challenges faced in the digital realm?
6. What is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and what rights does it give
to individuals?
7. How can ethical decision-making influence technology development?
8. Briefly explain the ethical dilemma faced by autonomous vehicles in the “trolley
problem.”
9. How do cultural differences impact perceptions of digital privacy and surveillance?
10. Why is it important to consider cross-cultural perspectives in digital ethics?

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does digital ethics primarily focus on?

a) Marketing strategies for technology
b) Moral principles guiding responsible digital use
c) Programming languages
d) Internet speed improvement
Answer: b) Moral principles guiding responsible digital use

2. Which of the following is a core principle of digital ethics?

a) Transparency
b) Profit maximization
c) Unlimited data sharing
d) Anonymity for all users
Answer: a) Transparency

3. Responsible digital citizenship includes which key element?

a) Sharing unverified information
b) Respect and kindness online
c) Ignoring privacy rules
d) Avoiding legal guidelines
Answer: b) Respect and kindness online

4. What is an example of a negative unintended consequence of technology?

a) Improved communication
b) Job displacement
c) New industries emerging
d) Increased collaboration
Answer: b) Job displacement
5. Which of the following is a major privacy challenge in the digital realm?
a) Unlimited free internet access
b) Data collection without explicit consent
c) Faster web browsing
d) Better online gaming experience
Answer: b) Data collection without explicit consent

6. What is the main purpose of GDPR?

a) To increase online advertising
b) To protect EU citizens’ personal data and privacy
c) To regulate internet speed
d) To promote e-commerce
Answer: b) To protect EU citizens’ personal data and privacy

7. Sustainability analysis in technology development considers:

a) Only economic impact
b) Environmental, social, and economic impacts
c) Just environmental issues
d) Marketing benefits
Answer: b) Environmental, social, and economic impacts

8. The Cambridge Analytica scandal primarily raised concerns about:

a) Fake news creation
b) Unauthorized use of Facebook users’ personal data
c) Hacking financial accounts
d) Internet speed issues
Answer: b) Unauthorized use of Facebook users’ personal data

9. In cross-cultural digital ethics, Western societies generally prioritize:

a) Collective welfare over individual rights
b) Individual privacy and data protection
c) State surveillance for social control
d) Censorship for religious reasons
Answer: b) Individual privacy and data protection

10. A key ethical challenge with autonomous vehicles involves:

a) Deciding who is responsible for harm caused
b) Improving fuel efficiency
c) Designing faster cars
d) Lowering production costs
Answer: a) Deciding who is responsible for harm caused