Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age

This textbook examines the ethical, social, and policy challenges arising from our rapidly and continuously evolving computing technology—ranging from the Internet, over to the cross-platforms consisting of ubiquitous portable and wearable devices to the eagerly anticipated metaverse—and how we can responsibly access and use these spaces. The text emphasizes the need for a strong ethical framework for all applications of computer science and engineering in our professional and personal life. This comprehensive seventh edition features thoroughly revised chapters with new and updated content, hardened by the bedrock ethical and moral values.  Because of the rapidly changing computing and telecommunication ecosystem, a new chapter on Ethics and Social Responsibility in the Metaverse has been added. The interface between our current universe and the evolving metaverse presents a security quagmire. The discussion throughout the book is candid and intended to ignite students' interest and participation in class discussions and beyond.  Topics and features: Establishes a philosophical framework and analytical tools for discussing moral theories and problems in ethical relativism Offers pertinent discussions on privacy, surveillance, employee monitoring, biometrics, civil liberties, harassment, the digital divide, and discrimination Discusses the security and ethical quagmire in the platforms of the developing metaverse Provides exercises, objectives, and issues for discussion with every chapter Examines the ethical, cultural and economic realities of mobile telecommunications, computer social network ecosystems, and virtualization technology Reviews issues of property rights, responsibility and accountability relating to information technology and software Explores the evolution of electronic crime, network security, and computer forensics Introduces the new frontiers of ethics: virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the Internet This extensive textbook/reference addresses the latest curricula requirements for understanding the cultural, social, legal, and ethical issues in computer science and related fields, and offers invaluable advice for industry professionals wishing to put such principles into practice.