Written by: Sampada Poudel - 25018, Grade XI
Posted on: 25 March, 2024
Introduction
Technology has become an integral part of our life. In the present context, the incorporation of technology into the lives of people only seems to be growing. One of the prominent technologies of the modern world is the internet. The Internet is used all over the world. The addition of the internet has definitely added a lot of benefits in the lives of people but while making use of the internet, one must be careful. Carefulness should be based on the fact that our use of the internet does not harm or cause threats to others. To promote collaborations into a safer and respectful environment, cyber ethics/ laws are implemented.
A set of rules and principles that helps in ensuring a positive and respectful online environment for users by effectively managing the usage of technology is referred to as cyber ethics. Quite similar to the rules on how social ethics and principles govern our behavior for the common good of everyone, cyber ethics helps in promoting an environment which is safe and respectful to every technology user.
Basics of Cyber Ethics
Privacy: One of the most easily violated aspects in cyberspace is one's privacy. While many strict actions and rules have been implemented to prevent one's sense of personal space, the problem of privacy is still a massive concern. As per cyber ethics, one must not post content that is demeaning and hurtful to any individual or group of people. Similarly, divulgence or sharing others personal information is highly discouraged. The practice of illegal collection and sharing of others personal details is considered as the inversion of personal space.
Security: As the technology keeps advancing, the challenges it presents also becomes prominent and complex. One such problem in the cyber space is hacking and loss of personal details. To combat these problems, one should take measures for effective use of digital space like; using strong passwords, creating digital signatures, not sharing sensitive information etc.
Responsibility: There has been ample evidence showcasing the prevalence of cyber bullying and harassment. These are the unethical practices that disrupt the peace and cooperation enforced online. The incidents of cyber bullying, harassment, blackmailing, hacking or any wrong acts must be effectively reported to the concerned authorities. Reporting these events help authorities understand its causes and effects and help them minimize the future risks by addressing the root cause. It is everybody’s responsibility to let higher authority know about the problems and make the space secured and reliable.
Ownership: Every individual or organization disclosing their research, analysis, interpretation, articles, criticism or any source of data online have certain rights for them. Every individual publishing their content online will have access over their data. It simply implies the rights and responsibilities an individual or organization has over digital assets such as; data and software. Having ownership toward your own content helps prevent cases of cyber attack, frauds and misinformation.
Accuracy: While publishing contents online one must pay attention that the released set of information is not a means to spread rumors and false information. Publishing fake news or content can often be a cause for bullying, disrespect and conflicts between individuals and groups. Hence, prior to publishing any content, it must be checked thoroughly to avoid all the bad possibilities.
