Why the earth cannot withstand the resources technologies are using

Morals and Ethical issues in IT

As we know technology can harm the environment

EG:

Increase in travel: This point might seem awkward but, it is true that we travel a lot nowadays than in the past. Previously people used to travel very little due to the lack of automobiles. But due to enhanced technology and speed in automobiles, we travel more and also unnecessarily sometimes. By this, we contribute to air pollution directly. We go on tours around the world and even on long drives. This is was done even previously when the technology was low. But then the chances of pollution were meagre. We relied on horses, camels, and bulls to travel by road. By seas, we relied on large boats and vessels. These methods of travel are time-consuming but are less polluting.

This an ethical Principle that guides our use of natural resources and we can control these issues.

Excess power consumption: Is high due to the use of computers smartphones tv security cameras etc: This another ethical issues as we can stop using technology so frequently however it has become a part of our daily lives. This energy is generated by fossil fuels or nuclear fuels.

Excess deforestation: For example, technology is increasing them amount of properties clearing the natural environment and greenery. This is detrimental to the environment.

Globalisation is a process by which economies and cultures have been drawn deeper together and have become more inter-connected through global networks of trade and capital flows.

Digital Divide/Unequal Access

Age-Older people are much less likely to engage due to complexity of systems.

Finance-Under-Privileged families may not be able to afford the latest technology or the internet putting them at a disadvantage.

Location-Developing Nations and those remote/rural locations may also not have access to internet due to infrastructure.

TASK-Individual & Homework

Describe 3 moral/Ethical issues, discuss how codes of practice could help minimize the issues with examples

1)Privacy

Once data is put into a computer private data is easily at risk or being copied or transmitted. Many smartphone apps ask for permission to access Data held on the device.

In 2016, the government introduced the Investigatory Powers Act. This sets out rules on the use of investigatory powers by law enforcement and the security and intelligence agencies. Under the act, phone companies and internet service providers are required to keep copies of users’ emails and browsing histories for a period. It also gives the police and security services the authority to access computers and phones to search for data. This act has proved controversial, with opponents concerned over how it impacts people’s right to privacy.

To minimize these issues and ensure safety of data codes of practice that can be used can be

• We can use VPN
• The data protection act 1998/2018
• Make sure to read terms and conditions as it may have permission by you accepting

2)Digital Divide

Somebody who has a visual impairment may have difficulties using a touchscreen. Apps that are designed to be used on a smartphone may exclude such people from using their services. The elderly generation have not grown up with technology and might feel nervous of the steep learning curve required to gain confidence with using the internet. This could mean that they miss out on opportunities, such as online shopping offers that are not available on the high street.

To tackle the Digital Divide and disadvantage to those who are disabled or elderly etc

• We can have options that allow certain texts sizes so people with bad eyesight can see easier
• We can have colour blind settings for those who cannot see certain colours.

3)Working conditions

Modern technology has revolutionised many organisations. The benefits include quick access to data, cheap data storage, automatic generation of letters and invoices, and easy tracking of accounts. However, there are also some disadvantages of modern technology:

• people can now be contacted through smartphones no matter where they are, making it difficult to have time when they are not on call
• medical issues such as RSI (repetitive strain injury) or eye strain can occur when an employee is stationary at a desk for long periods of time
• there is concern that new technology, for example robots, might take jobs away from humans.

To tackle these disadvantages, we can:

• Have ergonomic chairs and desks at work made to reduce strain on eyes and back problems.
• We should try make work environments as safe as possible such as having coffee in a mug away from the computer so it cannot damage the computer if spilt