e-Government Ethics: a Synergy of Computer Ethics, Information Ethics, and Cyber Ethics

Discusses three types of applied ethics: computer ethics, information ethics, and cyber ethics. Reviews definition and associated issues of each in order to define e-Government ethics and formulate its issues. Computer ethics includes analysis of nature and social impact of computer technology and the corresponding formulation and justification of policies for ethical technology use. Computer ethics issues include copyright infringement, reproduction of software, invasion of privacy, and circulation of objectionable material. Defines information ethics as “ethics in the using, accessing, and disseminating information.” Argues information ethics should carry out four functions: prescriptive ethics, preventive ethics, transformative ethics, and universally global ethics. Issues in information ethics: privacy, conflict between others’ privacy and pursuit of individual freedom, and responsibility and accountability. Cyber ethics is related to development of internet technology and principles of morality that guide human action in establishing a sustainable and participatory global information society. Cyber ethics issues: plagiarism, copyright, hacking, fair use, file sharing, online etiquette protocols, posting incorrect or inaccurate information, cyberbullying, stealing or pirating software, online gambling, and internet addiction.