Discuss the ethical and privacy issues in using information technology in business.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in two lines. Ethics are moral principles about right and wrong. IT ethics apply them to how people and businesses use computers and information.
2 · Use the PAPA framework. Mason (1986) named four issues: privacy, accuracy, property and accessibility.
3 · Privacy.
Over-collecting data, sharing without consent, cookies and tracking.
Employee monitoring and CCTV; data leaks.
4 · Property and piracy. Software, designs and content are intellectual property; copying without a licence is piracy.
5 · Accuracy and accessibility. Firms must keep data correct, since errors can harm people; access to technology and information should be fair (the digital divide).
6 · Acceptable use at work. Codes of conduct and acceptable use policies set how staff may use email, internet and data.
7 · Sri Lankan law. Computer Crime Act No. 24 of 2007, Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003 and Personal Data Protection Act No. 9 of 2022.
8 · Close with good practice. Collect only what is needed, with consent; keep it accurate and secure; use licensed software; follow a code of conduct.
Scoring tip: PAPA gives you an instant structure; add one business example under each letter.
