Ethical issues in ICT

Summary

This video discusses the key ethical issues in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), explained through the acronym PELZ: Plagiarism, Exploitation, Libel, and Software Piracy. Plagiarism involves the theft of ideas, while exploitation refers to unfairly benefiting from others' resources or work. Libel focuses on harmful, false statements made online, and software piracy involves illegal copying or distribution of software. The video highlights the serious implications of these issues in the digital age and emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in the ICT field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plagiarism is the act of copying someone else's ideas, words, or work and presenting them as your own, which can lead to serious ethical violations.
• 😀 Exploitation involves dishonestly taking advantage of someone or a group of people for personal gain, often leading to unlawful actions and unethical behavior.
• 😀 Human trafficking and modern slavery are common forms of exploitation in ICT, where technology is used to control victims and facilitate crimes.
• 😀 Terrorist organizations exploit ICT by using it as a tool for communication and manipulation, or as a target for cyberattacks.
• 😀 Libel is the act of making false, harmful statements about someone, and in ICT, it is known as cyber libel when defamation occurs through digital platforms like social media and websites.
• 😀 For a statement to be considered libel in the online context, it must be a factual claim, not just an opinion, and it must be provable as true or false.
• 😀 Software piracy refers to the illegal copying, distribution, or modification of software without proper licensing, violating copyright laws.
• 😀 Anyone, even without technical skills, can engage in software piracy if they download or distribute software illegally, like downloading Microsoft Word from unauthorized websites.
• 😀 Exploitation via ICT can also involve using the technology to manipulate or control people, such as in human trafficking or terrorist operations.
• 😀 Ethical issues in ICT, such as plagiarism, exploitation, libel, and software piracy, are global concerns that affect individuals and society, requiring awareness and responsibility.

Q & A

What does the acronym PELZ stand for in the context of ethical issues in ICT?

PELZ stands for Plagiarism, Exploitation, Libel, and Software Piracy. These are four major ethical issues in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

What is plagiarism, and why is it considered an ethical violation?

Plagiarism is the act of copying another person's work, ideas, or words without proper acknowledgment and presenting them as one's own. It is an ethical violation because it involves intellectual theft and a lack of honesty in academic, professional, or creative work.

How can plagiarism occur in the digital age?

Plagiarism can occur when someone uses digital content, such as articles, blogs, or research papers, from the internet without proper citation or permission. This can involve both published and unpublished materials in any format, including electronic forms.

What does exploitation refer to in the ICT context?

Exploitation in ICT refers to using someone’s work or resources unethically for personal gain. It involves taking advantage of individuals or groups dishonestly and can lead to unlawful actions, such as human trafficking or cyberterrorism.

Can you provide an example of exploitation involving ICT?

An example of exploitation in ICT is human trafficking, where technology is used to control victims, exploit their labor, or facilitate cyberattacks. Terrorist organizations also exploit ICT for communication and control purposes.

What is libel, and how does it relate to ICT?

Libel is a form of defamation that involves making false and damaging statements about someone in written or spoken form. In ICT, this is often referred to as cyber libel, where defamatory content is spread through digital platforms like social media, websites, and emails.

What must be proven for a statement to qualify as internet libel?

To qualify as internet libel, the statement must be a false statement of fact. Unlike opinions, which are typically not considered defamatory, a fact can be proven true or false, and if proven false, it can lead to a libel case.

What is software piracy, and why is it unethical?

Software piracy is the illegal act of copying, distributing, modifying, or selling software without proper authorization or in violation of licensing agreements. It is unethical because it infringes on the copyright laws that protect the intellectual property of software creators.

Can software piracy be committed without technical expertise?

Yes, software piracy can be committed by anyone with access to a computer, even without technical skills. A person may illegally download or distribute software without knowing the legal implications, such as copying software from unauthorized sources like file-sharing websites.

What is the legal impact of software piracy?

The legal impact of software piracy includes potential lawsuits, fines, and penalties for those involved in the illegal distribution or use of copyrighted software. It violates intellectual property rights and can harm the developers or companies that own the software.