Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Define internet censorship.
  • Identify the major threats to privacy online.
  • Define the digital divide and its consequences.

Ethical and Social Issues of the Internet

While the internet has brought enormous benefits, it has also created a new set of complex ethical and social challenges.

Censorship

Internet censorship is the control or suppression of what can be accessed, published, or viewed on the internet. It may be carried out by governments, private organizations, or individuals. The debate over censorship often involves a conflict between the desire to protect people from harmful content and the right to freedom of speech.

Privacy Issues

Privacy is a major concern in the digital age. Companies and governments can collect vast amounts of personal data about individuals, often without their full knowledge or consent. This data can be used for targeted advertising, surveillance, or other purposes.

  • Key Concerns: Who is collecting your data? What are they doing with it? How is it being protected?

The Digital Divide

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. This gap can be based on socioeconomic status, geographic location, age, or disability. The digital divide can exacerbate existing social inequalities, as those without internet access are cut off from a wealth of information, educational resources, and economic opportunities.

Summary

The internet is not without its problems. Major ethical and social issues include censorship, which pits safety against freedom of speech; the erosion of privacy in an age of mass data collection; and the digital divide, which threatens to leave behind those without access to technology. Navigating these challenges is one of the most important tasks for society in the 21st century.

Key Takeaways

  • Internet censorship is the control or suppression of online content.
  • The internet has created major challenges for personal privacy.
  • The digital divide is the gap between those with and without access to technology.

Discussion Questions

  1. Should governments have the right to censor content on the internet? If so, what kind of content?
  2. What steps can you take to protect your privacy online?
  3. What can be done to help close the digital divide?