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Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
304
Subject
Information Systems
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by msheba08
In the realm of information technology, privacy issues have become a topic of significant
concern and debate. With the vast amount of personal data being collected and processed by
various technological systems, the need to prioritize ethical decision-making has become more
critical than ever before. This section will delve into the relationship between ethical decision-
making and privacy issues in information technology, exploring the impact of such issues on
system requirements and global conversations.
To better understand the significance of ethical decision-making in relation to privacy issues, it is
important to examine a current event that exemplifies this intersection. One such event is the
recent data breach at a major social media platform, where the personal information of millions
of users was accessed without their consent. This event is particularly relevant as it highlights the
ethical implications of privacy breaches in information technology.
In reflecting upon this event, it becomes evident that ethical decision-making did not occur at
various stages. The social media platform failed to adequately protect the privacy of its users,
which raises questions about the ethical considerations given to the collection and storage of
personal data. Furthermore, the decision to not promptly inform users about the breach resulted
in a lack of transparency, further accentuating the ethical lapse on the part of the organization.
The impact of this event was widespread and substantial. Users' trust in the social media platform
was severely damaged, and individuals' personal information was compromised, potentially
leading to identity theft or other forms of harm. Additionally, the event sparked public outrage
and ignited discussions on the need for stricter regulations and ethical safeguards in information
technology.
In terms of system requirements, several important aspects could have been documented to
prevent such privacy breaches. Firstly, robust security measures should have been implemented
to protect user data from unauthorized access. Additionally, the system should have included
provisions for timely notifications to users in the event of a breach, allowing them to take
appropriate measures to protect themselves. Furthermore, the system should have made it easier
for users to understand and control the collection and usage of their personal data.
As an IT professional involved in this event, several actions could have been taken. Firstly, I
would have advocated for stronger security protocols and encryption mechanisms to safeguard
user data. Additionally, I would have pushed for a proactive approach in notifying users about
the breach to minimize the potential harm caused. Moreover, I would have emphasized the
importance of transparency and accountability, urging the organization to take responsibility for
its lack of ethical decision-making.
Several factors contributed to this event. Firstly, there may have been a lack of robust privacy
policies and procedures within the organization, leading to inadequate protection of user data.
Additionally, the pursuit of profit and the desire for rapid growth may have overshadowed ethical
considerations, leading to compromised privacy standards. Furthermore, a general lack of
awareness and enforcement of privacy regulations on a global scale allowed such breaches to
occur.
To prevent such incidents in the future, various actions could have been taken differently. The
organization could have implemented strict privacy protocols, ensuring that privacy
considerations were given equal importance to other business objectives. Additionally, regular
audits and security assessments could have been conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities
and address them proactively. Moreover, the organization could have fostered a culture of ethical
decision-making, emphasizing the importance of privacy and data protection.
This event will undoubtedly influence global conversations on privacy issues. It serves as a stark
reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in information technology and the need for more
stringent regulations and ethical frameworks. It will likely spur conversations on the
responsibilities of organizations in protecting user privacy, as well as the role of individuals in
safeguarding their personal data. Furthermore, discussions on the importance of transparency,
accountability, and ethical decision-making will be amplified in the global discourse on privacy
issues in information technology.
In conclusion, ethical decision-making plays a crucial role in addressing privacy issues in
information technology. The recent data breach at a major social media platform serves as a
pertinent example of the consequences of unethical practices. The impact of such events extends
beyond individuals' personal data, leading to diminished trust and sparking global conversations
on privacy concerns. By emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making and
incorporating privacy considerations into system requirements, organizations can strive to create
a more secure and ethically responsible information technology landscape.
References:
Mishra, M., Ghosh, K., & Sharma, D. (2021). Unethical pro-organizational behavior: A
systematic review and future research agenda. Journal of Business Ethics. Springer.
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Cain, J. A., & Imre, I. (2022). Everybody wants some: Collection and control of personal
information, privacy concerns, and social media use. New Media & Society.
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Ayaburi, E. W., & Treku, D. N. (2020). Effect of penitence on social media trust and privacy
concerns: The case of Facebook. International Journal of Information Management.
Elsevier.
utrgv.edu
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