Ethical Conflicts: Legal Concerns & Rights Violations - Essay Sample

Introduction

Ethical issues transpire when a verdict or situation creates disagreement with the moral standards of a society. Individuals, authorities and businesses can be involved in conflicts revolving around ethics. Ethical issues can bring legal concerns, especially when certain rights and obligations are not observed. Breach of certain agreements as stipulated by law can also result in ethical conflicts. Government authorities times are caught up in ethical disagreements for deprivation or violation of individual rights as given by the law under a constitution. Information technology is one issue that has brought ethical conflicts between the government and its citizen because it often leads to infringement of rights to privacy.

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Relationship Between IT and Ethical Issues

The relationship between IT and ethical issues is the concern regarding personal privacy. In an era where technology is highly used, people share a lot of information through various platforms, and they often require that their data and privacy is protected. The law stipulates that no one should access another person's information without their consent and authority and this applies to all the information that is shared using technological methods of communication such as phones, and the internet through social media and other mediums. When such information is accessed and used or shared without the consent of the owner, then it results in ethical issues that can lead to a legal action being taken against the offender. Ethical issues governing information technology is then supposed to guard an individual against all forms of infringement of their rights to privacy.

Role of IT in Creating Ethical Dilemmas

Information technology plays a critical role in creating ethical dilemmas because it is the new direction in which the world is taking in regard to the mode of operation and communication in various spheres of life. IT is applied in government institutions, businesses, social life and science, among others. In government institutions, IT creates ethical dilemmas when there is a need to observe the individual right to privacy and also enhance the security of the nation. Government intelligence units often screen and access personal information such as phone calls and messages to determine ore investigate terrorism issues. On the one hand, it is a great thing because the nation needs to be safe, but on the other, it leads to infringement of the right to privacy, therefore, leading to ethical dilemmas. Additionally, IT has created ethical dilemmas because it is the ideal way of communicating and reducing distance and carrying out of transactions, but again through it, people have suffered through the access of their information and staling from them.

Ethical Analysis

In regard to Snowden's issue, his disclosure of secret documents of NSA led to the revelation of infringement of the individual right to privacy. It also had an immense effect on the security of the land. His disclosure was a violation of the espionage as well as treason by informing the members of the public that they were being put through strict government surveillance. Snowden also went against the law because he provided security documents that were only meant for NSA and not for the public. Besides, he endangered the security of the nation because he had revealed a secret to the terrorist who would, in turn, change their future plans and trends.

Implication and Lessons Learnt

From the case study, one can learn that observing work ethics is critical. Besides, the security of the nation is superior to any other issues in regard to privacy. It is important to note that it is wrong to violate a moral duty. It is wrong for the government to keep its citizens in darkness over the issue surrounding their privacy. Another lesson is that public interest is more vital than any other individual or business aspects. Competence and professionalism are critical to any person who is employed or are self-employed. Finally, Information technology can infringe and also save personal interest.

References

Goodyear, V. A. (2017). Social media, apps and wearable technologies: navigating ethical dilemmas and procedures. Qualitative research in sport, exercise and health, 9(3), 285-302.

Walsh, P. F., & Miller, S. (2016). Rethinking 'Five Eyes' security intelligence collection policies and practice post-Snowden. Intelligence and National Security, 31(3), 345-368.