Summary
Emergence of new technologies has culminated into a transformation of the information processing. To improve efficiency of information processing, innovation on these technologies is conducted from time to time. These improvements are result into emergence of different social threats and opportunities. As a result, there has been increased consideration of ethics associated with new technologies. According to philosophers, ethics entails how people relate or associate with each other by considering issues such as justice, fairness, rights and duties. Various approaches have been advanced in defining ethical acts. For instance, utilitarianism asserts that ethical acts are the ones which create the highest value for the largest proportion of individuals. On the other hand, the right and duties act is of the opinion that ethical acts are the ones which acknowledges other individuals rights and duties imposed by such rights. Alternatively, fairness and justice approach assert that an ethical act is one in which all individuals in a given situation are treated equally by considering the process and outcome.
In relation to technology, the utilitarianism approach to ethics has been greatly incorporated. This is due to the fact that approach puts more emphasis on the value of the outcomes. As a result, individuals should be concerned on the effect of their actions to other individuals. This means that the individuals should consider both the positive and negative effects of their actions. For instance, with the emergence of new technologies, some of the individuals are utilizing these technologies for their own pleasure. An example of this is evident in the Information Communication Industry (ICT). Some individuals develop viruses and worms which are computer programs which affect the normal operation of a computer operation system. These programs harm a large percentage of individuals and business firms. The magnitude of the resultant harm cannot be compared with the pleasure that they derive.
Another illustration of ethics in new technologies is linked to file sharing which entails distribution of digital information through the internet. The music industry is one of the economic sectors which have been negatively affected by unethical practice of free file sharing. As a result, the artists and composers have experienced significant financial loss. Such losses can result into the artists ceasing from continuing to produce the music. The effect of such a decision is felt by a large percentage of individual consumers of their music products. This illustrates that the resultant damage is high compared to the joy these parties experience from free file sharing.
New technologies have also negatively affected individuals’ right to property. Right to property asserts that any individual can own intellectual or physical property and be secure. No party has a right to take the property away from the rightful owner without compensating him or her. Music industries are obligated to protect the intellectual property and copyrights of the artists. As a result, individuals are restricted from owning such property through illegal means. In addition, the distribution of such properties should undertaken by the relevant authorities. This also applies to software industry.
The concept of ethics and technology has also been considered in relation to fairness and justice. This means that all individuals should be treated equally. For instance, equal treatment should be attained in the purchasing process. Some of the individuals should not obtain the same products freely or through piracy or sharing. This will enable the efforts of the product developers to be effectively compensated. New computer technologies have resulted into an increment in the level of injustice and unfairness. For example, these technologies have resulted into a gap in the process of the authorities regulating certain behavior. This is illustrated in a case where some individuals can easily access pornographic materials through the internet which other forms of accessing pornographic materials. In addition, hacking which entails unauthorized access to a system represents a high degree of unfairness. Through hacking, individuals can be able to use a system without following the normal authorization process. This makes some of the individuals to be well situated.
Critique and insight developed
Existence of differences on ethics across different countries in relation to ethics on technology result into prevalence of unethical practices associated with new technologies. For instance, copyright laws are well established in United States compared to other countries. This limits the efficiency with which ethics associated with technology are enhanced. The article does not give a broad view of the ethics associated with new technology. Its major focus is the unethical practices which result from innovations in computer technology. There are other technological innovations which result into emergence of unethical practices.
The article has resulted into acquisition of knowledge relating to the importance of considering the total effects of an individual’s behavior on the society. In addition, the article has revealed gaps in the government which result into prevalence of unethical practices associated with new technology. Through this knowledge the relevant authorities will gain knowledge on how to develop effective technology ethical policies.