Ethics for a Digital Age (Vol. II) [Book Review

Chaos as opportunity

The issue of digital ethics is a major problem that needs to be resolved. The challenge of implementing digital ethics amidst increasingly rapid technological developments is the main focus in various digital education and literacy activities. Digital Education and Literacy are the main keys to handling problems related to digital ethics, such as the spread of hoaxes, cyberbullying, Hatescpeech and Hatecomment, war flaming, fraud, SARA violations, distribution of content containing violence and pornography and so on. Therefore, community service activities regarding digital ethics education for junior high school teenagers at SMP PGRI 1 Ciputat can have the opportunity to increase teenagers' awareness of implementing digital ethics when utilizing various digital media platforms. The focus of this community service activity is teenagers, especially junior high school (SMP) teenagers, because it is considered the initial phase in the formation of identity and self. The formation of behavior as an adult also depends on what kind of moral education was given as a teenager. Based on the evaluation, this educational activity about digital ethics is very useful and able to increase awareness among teenagers, especially at SMP PGRI 1 Ciputat, about the importance of applying digital ethics in their daily activities when accessing digital media.

In order to evaluate Floridi's philosophy of information (PI) and correlative information ethics (IE) as potential frameworks for a global information and computing ethics (ICE), I review a range of important criticisms, defenses, and extensions of PI and IE, along with Floridi's responses to these, as gathered together in a recent special issue of Ethics and Information Technology. A revised and expanded version of PI and IE emerges here, one that brings to the foreground PI's status as a philosophical naturalism—one with both current application and important potential in the specific domains of privacy and information law. Further, the pluralism already articulated by Floridi in his PI is now more explicitly coupled with an ethical pluralism in IE that will be enhanced through IE's further incorporation of discourse ethics. In this form, PI and IE emerge as still more robust frameworks for a global ICE; in this form, however, they also profoundly challenge modern Western assumptions regarding reality, the self, and our ethical obligations.

Digital ethics in the law of the European Union is studied through the prism of its regulatory and legal regulation and its connection with the protection of human rights. Unlike classical studies, which mostly focus on individual regulations or directives, the article proposes an integrated approach that combines regulatory, institutional and practical-judicial dimensions. The methodological basis of the study is formed by general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, as well as special-legal methods: in particular, formal-legal – for the interpretation of EU legal norms; historical-legal – for revealing the evolution of approaches to digital ethics. The theoretical and legal nature of the phenomenon of digital ethics is clarified. It is emphasized that the concept of digital ethics is relatively new in legal science, however, it is actively developed in interdisciplinary research and EU legal acts. It is argued that the essence of digital ethics lies in the integration of legal, moral and technological principles of the functioning of the digital environment in order to ensure a balance between innovation and the protection of fundamental rights. The reflection of the phenomenon of digital ethics in the secondary legislation of the EU and the practice of the Court of Justice of the EU is studied. It is shown that the concept of digital ethics has gradually evolved from a theoretical framework to practical implementation in the regulatory and legal framework of the EU. The crucial importance of the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU for specifying the standards of digital ethics is emphasized. The foreign policy dimension of the EU digital ethics is emphasized and the belief is expressed that this indicates the global nature of this phenomenon. It is noted that for Ukraine the foreign policy dimension of the EU digital ethics means the need to actively implement European approaches into national legislation, in particular in the field of personal data protection, regulation of digital platforms and the development of artificial intelligence. It is concluded that the adaptation of this experience is of fundamental importance, since it is it that will determine the framework of modern legal order in the digital age.

There is a growing body of literature dealing with the ethical issues of conducting digital- and Internet-based research, yet relatively little has been written about social media, apps and wearable devices. Using three empirical case studies of ethical challenges and dilemmas in the context of physical education, this clear gap in understanding is addressed. The case studies reveal that ethical issues unique to digital research are, (i) the questionable involvement of human subjects, (ii) the traceability of individuals and data, and (iii) the diverse interactional capabilities of digital technologies. Large numbers of participants, the international nature of research and legal matters are also ethical issues intensified by the use of social media, apps, and wearable devices. To address such ethical issues, a culturally responsive relational and reflexive approach to ethics is signposted as one way forward. New insights from the case studies were also provided on the types of ethical procedures researchers might follow. Yet despite this paper providing novel understandings on digital- and Internet-based ethics within sport, exercise and health, in order to advance research and practice the importance of embarking on a professional wide digital research ethics debate is stressed.

This study aims to analyze the meaning of jihad in the context of social media and explain how digital ethics can be used as a basis for promoting Islamic moderation in the digital space. The research method used is qualitative with a literature review of data sources from academic journals, scientific articles, and policy documents relevant to the themes of digital jihad, digital ethics, and Islamic moderation. The results show that the concept of digital jihad is a contemporary form of ijtihad that represents the struggle of Muslims to maintain the integrity of teachings and public morality on social media. Digital ethics is found to be the epistemological basis for the preaching of Islamic moderation, which emphasizes verification (tabayyun), justice ('adl), and communication etiquette (qaulan sadīdan). Thus, Islamic moderation in the digital age can only be realized through the integration of Islamic moral values, media literacy, and ethical awareness in online religious practices. Thus, constructive digital jihad can reduce conflict, strengthen ukhuwah (brotherhood), and uphold Islam Wasathiyyah on social media.

With continuing developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and robot technology, ethical issues related to digital humans, AI avatars, intelligent process automation, robots, cyborgs, and autonomous vehicles are emerging, and the need for cultural and social sustainability through AI ethics is increasing. Moreover, as the use of video conferencing and metaverse platforms has increased due to COVID-19, ethics concepts and boundaries related to information and communications technology, cyber etiquette, AI ethics, and robot ethics have become more ambiguous. Because the definitions of ethics domains may be confusing due to the various types of computing platforms available, this paper attempts to classify these ethics domains according to three main platforms: computing devices, intermediary platforms, and physical computing devices. This classification provides a conceptual ethics framework that encompasses computer ethics, information ethics, cyber ethics, robot ethics, and AI ethics. Several examples are provided to clarify the boundaries between the various ethics and platforms. The results of this study can be the educational basis for the sustainability of society on ethical issues according to the development of technology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an important role in current discussions on information and communication technologies (ICT) and new modes of algorithmic governance. It is an unavoidable dimension of what social mediations and modes of reproduction of our information societies will be in the future. While several works in artificial intelligence ethics (AIE) address ethical issues specific to certain areas of expertise, these ethical reflections often remain confined to narrow areas of application, without considering the global ethical issues in which they are embedded. We, therefore, propose to clarify the main approaches to AIE, their philosophical assumptions and the specific characteristics of each one of them, to identify the most promising approach to develop an ethical reflection on the deployment of AI in our societies, which is the one based on information ethics as proposed by Luciano Floridi. We will identify the most important features of that approach to highlight areas that need further investigation.

This paper presents a conceptual framework for the intellectual virtues in the context of online search. Intellectual virtues are dispositions and skills that enable good thinking and wise reasoning, such as intellectual humility and attentiveness. Despite their importance, today the intellectual virtues tend to be underdeveloped across society. In light of the institutional role that online search plays in life today, there is an opportunity (perhaps an obligation) for online search to facilitate the development of intellectual virtue. The framework presented in this paper locates this development in three areas: the Searcher, the System, and Society. Major issues in information ethics and virtue epistemology are discussed for each of these areas, leading to recommendations for education, design, and research. This paper provides specific suggestions in this regard along with an agenda for future research at the intersection of ethics, epistemology, and online search.

Growing up with digital media is an ethical question. This volume examines current developments in the fields of digitalisation, education and the protection of minors in order to critically reflect upon a new set of issues in communication, media and information ethics. The importance of developing autonomy in children growing up in mediatised societies and of balancing autonomy with children´s need for protection (e.g. data protection or privacy) is central to this study. The book addresses the ethical dimensions of a mediatised childhood by exploring issues in surveillance and care, gaming and entertainment as well as reality and virtuality, giving weight to the consequences these practices and issues have for society, politics and education. With contributions by Linda Breitlauch, Eike Buhr, Detlef Endeward, Bernhard Debatin, Alexander Filipovic, Rüdiger Funiok, Petra Grimm, Thilo Hagendorff/Jutta Hagendorff, Florian Heusinger von Waldegge, Dietmar Kammerer, Nina Köberer, Larissa Krainer, Kerstin Liesem, Patrick Maisenhölder, Gudrun Marci-Boehncke, Dominik Merli, Carsten Ochs, Claudia Paganini, Marlis Prinzing, Matthias Rath, Christoph Schickhardt, Christian Schlöndorf, Ingrid Stapf, André Weßel

In the digital age, characterized by unprecedented connectivity and rapid information exchange, the dynamics of writing, communication, and ethical considerations have undergone profound transformations. This paper aims at exploring why the ethical implications of digital communication are important during circulating and disseminating information in the context of digital ethics. The primary texts for this paper are tweets by former President of United States of America, Donald Trump and some other posts on social media. To support the claim, the researchers use a wide range of scholars such as L. Floridi who focuses on digital ethics and L.E. Gries who discusses “circulation” as a central concept in digital rhetoric. This paper also argues that algorithms and big data applications should prioritize improving human well-being, dignity, rights, and autonomy. For that, the researchers have used Gilli A. et al.’s concept of “human-centered” writing, M.C. Murphy’s insights about the role of social media algorithms, and B. McComiskey’s concept of “post-truth.” This paper concludes that digital technologies and algorithms should shape the ethical landscape of information dissemination thereby emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks in navigating the complexities of digital communication to safeguard societal values, truthfulness, and democratic discourse amidst the challenges posed by misinformation and capitalist influences.

The study aims to investigate the ethical and communication issues of deep-fake videos involving Imran Khan, Shahbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on TikTok. Using qualitative techniques, forty deepfake videos were produced and evaluated to sort their main themes and review public interest. By using Postmodern Media Theory and Media Ethics Theory, the research investigates how deepfakes can change the reality of politics and raise issues with consent, truthfulness, and identity. Some main categories appeared in my analysis: satire and parody, fake political messages, altered election campaign strategies, encouraging leaders, and propaganda that spread negativity. Most of the time, fake statements focused on Khan, Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz, and they were usually hit with satire and stereotypes based on their gender. Bilawal Bhutto's views were better-balanced than those of the previous leader. People who saw the fake videos laughed, got confused, and didn't trust them, showing that deepfakes can have a bad effect on society and democracy. It points out that TikTok's personalized algorithm helps spread possibly untrue or misleading material. To protect democracies from problems caused by deep-fakes in politics, it urges people to be digitally literate, update regulations, make tech platforms more responsible, and prioritize ethical AI standards.

Positive and Negative Impacts of Information Ethics in Social Media: A Qualitative Study with Literature Study Method - Social media is a platform that facilitates online interaction between one person and another person or group. In our digital age, where individuals have made this platform a daily necessity that aids them in carrying out, learning new things, and strengthening interpersonal ties, this media is crucial. This research demonstrates how information ethics in social media can increase people's sense of responsibility and knowledge. Everyone must use social media responsibly, and any information that has been disseminated carries risks. Information ethics regulations already have certain rules to address related issues.

The rapid advancement of digital technology has significantly impacted students’ behavior, especially in their use of digital media in educational settings. Despite this, there is a gap in understanding the specific role of teachers in fostering ethical and responsible digital behavior. This study aims to explore the role of teachers in strengthening students’ digital ethics at MI Irsyadul Islamiyah Bagan, identifying implementation strategies and challenges. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were gathered through observations, interviews, and documentation. Findings reveal that teachers serve as educators, mentors, and role models, guiding students through values, exemplary behavior, positive habits, and effective communication with parents. However, challenges include varying digital readiness among students, exposure to inappropriate content, and the lack of comprehensive school policies. This study highlights the crucial role of teachers in ensuring students' digital competence and ethical behavior in the digital age.

In an era when corporate responsibility and sustainability are gaining momentum, and growing access to information and communication has empowered consumers to make more socially responsible purchasing decisions, the diamond industry remains opaque. The Kimberley Process was established to monitor the rough diamond trade with the objective of stemming the flow of conflict diamonds. The definition of conflict diamonds, however, often excludes human rights abuses, which has led to mounting criticism. The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence, magnitude, and scope of ethical issues affecting sourcing conditions in the diamond industry. The research found that ethical issues were reported in the diamond industries of several African nations, with Angola topping the list. Child labour and slavery are the most prevalent human rights abuses. In 2017, one in five diamonds in terms of volume and one in ten diamonds in terms of value may have been produced under conditions that cannot be regarded as sustainable or ethical.