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Unit 7.8

Ethical and Social Issues of the Internet

IT 231: IT and Application

Learning Objectives

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

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

The Internet: A Double-Edged Sword

Enormous Benefits

  • Global Connectivity
  • Access to Information
  • Economic Opportunities
  • Social Engagement

Complex Challenges

  • Censorship & Control
  • Erosion of Privacy
  • The Digital Divide
  • Misinformation

Topic 1: Internet Censorship

Internet Censorship is the control or suppression of what can be accessed, published, or viewed on the internet.

It can be carried out by:

  • Governments
  • Private organizations (e.g., corporations, ISPs)
  • Individuals

Censorship: A Balancing Act

The debate involves a conflict between two fundamental values:

🛡️ Protection & Safety

  • Preventing harmful content (e.g., hate speech, child exploitation)
  • Protecting national security
  • Maintaining social order

🗣️ Freedom of Speech

  • Upholding the right to express ideas
  • Ensuring access to diverse information
  • Holding power accountable

Topic 2: Online Privacy Issues

⚡ In the digital age, personal data has become a valuable commodity. Companies and governments collect vast amounts of it, often without our full knowledge or consent.

This leads to critical questions about our digital footprint.

🔍 Key Privacy Questions

Who is collecting your data?

  • Social Media Platforms
  • Internet Service Providers
  • App Developers
  • Governments
  • Advertisers

What are they doing with it?

  • Targeted Advertising
  • User Profiling
  • Surveillance
  • Selling to 3rd Parties
  • Informing Product Design

How is it being protected?

  • Encryption
  • Privacy Policies
  • Data Protection Laws
  • Vulnerability to Breaches

Practical Application: Privacy in Nepal

Example: Digital Wallets & Ride-Sharing Apps

Services like eSewa, Khalti, Pathao, and Tootle are essential in Nepal. But what's the trade-off?

  • Data Collected: Your name, phone number, location history, transaction details, and travel patterns.
  • Usage: This data is used for service improvement, marketing, and creating user profiles.
  • Legal Protection: Nepal's "Individual Privacy Act, 2018" aims to protect this data, but awareness and enforcement are ongoing challenges.

Topic 3: The Digital Divide

📊 The Digital Divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology (ICT) and those who do not.

This isn't just about having internet; it's also about the skills to use it effectively (digital literacy).

Causes and Consequences of the Divide

⚡ Factors Creating the Gap

  • Socioeconomic Status: Cost of devices and internet plans.
  • Geographic Location: Urban vs. rural infrastructure.
  • Age: Generational gaps in technology adoption.
  • Disability: Lack of accessible technology.

🎯 Consequences of the Gap

  • Exacerbates social inequality.
  • Limits access to education and jobs.
  • Creates barriers to essential services (e.g., online banking, government services).
  • Reduces civic participation.

The Digital Divide in Nepal

Case Study: Rural vs. Urban Access

While internet penetration is growing, a significant divide persists in Nepal.

  • Urban Centers (e.g., Kathmandu Valley): High-speed fiber internet is widely available and relatively affordable.
  • Remote/Mountainous Regions: Face challenges with lack of infrastructure, high costs for mobile data, and inconsistent electricity.
  • Impact: This was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where students in remote areas were largely excluded from online learning opportunities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Censorship: A complex issue balancing protection against the fundamental right to freedom of speech.
  • Privacy: The widespread collection of personal data is a defining challenge of the internet age, requiring user vigilance and strong regulation.
  • The Digital Divide: The gap in technology access threatens to deepen existing social and economic inequalities, both globally and within Nepal.
  • Navigating these challenges is one of society's most important tasks in the 21st century.

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 in Nepal?

Thank You

Next: Unit 8 - Software Development

Return to IT 231 Course Notes