Balberan, Jan Maxin R.             ITETHIC                                 March 16, 2008

Information Security and Ethics:

Social and Organizational Issues

Marian Quigley

Chapter I:

MAMA on the Web: Ethical Considerations for Our Networked World

The chapter introduces ethical considerations that are especially relevant for the current networked world. It discusses the use of a mnemonic, MAMA — multicultural, adaptive, multifaceted, and archival — as a way to categorize ethical issues.

Multicultural refers to the global nature and unifying movement towards the assimilation of many cultures into one Web culture. This Web culture includes values, norms, and problems arising from different languages.

Adaptive is defined as the Web’s ability to evolve as innovative new applications are developed and user needs change. The adaptation includes not only the computer hardware, software and networks but the individuals using the Web and the ability to transition to the new Web based applications.

Multifaceted references the broad use of the Web for many different applications. Many of these applications are conflicting and users are unaware of the consequences of their use of some applications.

Archival refers to the need to have an established guide or process for archiving the data and information on the Web.

By using these categories, the reader can evaluate how the Internet and, more specifically, the World Wide Web (Web) create new ethical concerns as information technology innovation and users drive new Web-based applications and discoveries.

Chapter II:

Establishing the Human Dimension of the Digital Divide

The chapter will explore the human dimension of the digital divide. It argues that existing digital divide research takes primarily a socioeconomic perspective and that few studies have considered the social, psychological or cultural barriers that may contribute to digital inequality within community.

The community is rapidly being divided into those who are information rich — the “haves” and those who are information poor — the “have-nots”. Steps must be taken to ensure that all members of community have access to and the ability to effectively utilize information and communication technology such as the Internet. By taking steps we will assist in preventing the creation of a digital divide, and ensure that all members of society have an equal chance of establishing and maintaining productive personal and professional lives. The digital divide is a complex phenomenon. Many studies to-date have taken the socio-economic perspective of the digital divide, in which income, employment and education are the primary factors influencing the development and growth of the digital divide. Whilst these studies provide a valid and important understanding of the phenomenon, the studies represent only a single layer of understanding to digital inequality

The digital divide is a complex phenomenon. Developing a more sophisticated understanding of this phenomenon will aid organizations such as the public library in developing programs and resources that can more effectively bridge the gap between information and technology “haves” and “have-nots”.

Chapter IV:

The Ethics of Web Design: Ensuring Access for Everyone

Web accessibility is really not a technological issue but rather a cultural problem. A Web site is said to be Web accessible if anyone, regardless of capabilities or disabilities, using any kind of Web browsing technology to visit the site has full and complete access to the site’s content and has the ability to interact with the site if required. If properly planned from the start, a Web site can be functional, accessible and aesthetically pleasing. The chapter focuses on ensuring access to information available on the Internet. The overall objective is to increase awareness of Web accessibility issues by providing rationale for why Web designers should be interested in creating accessible sites.

Many people enjoy accommodations and devices originally designed to address problems encountered by individuals with disabilities. The purpose of these tools is to make common facilities more accessible to the disabled population. In addition, these features have also been used and desired by everyone. There is good reason to believe designers that make their Web sites accessible will see similar benefits to their non-disabled customers online. Sighted surfers with slow modems may choose not to display images if alternative text is provided. Furthermore, an increasingly growing number of mobile devices are Internet-enabled. Excitement exists in the disabilities community over wireless since Web pages designed to be more easily accessed by these wireless devices better serve the needs of the disabled — furthering both the goals of m-commerce and Web accessibility.

Software developers who create software that makes it easier for individuals to create Web pages should have requirements that elements are built into their software so that when code is created for Web pages, the code is Web accessible. Similar to requiring elevators be put in all new buildings, the Web needs to be accessible to everyone. Fortunately, with wireless devices gaining popularity, these devices will push technology to become more accessible to all because they require much of the same type of coding as required by assistive technologies. Luckily for those with disabilities, it is not a matter of if an organization will address the issue of accessibility, but rather when. Ultimately, Web accessibility needs to be a state of mind; not a set of guidelines.