Digital ethics addresses the moral and ethical issues raised by the rapid development and application of digital technologies. It has an increasing importance and for several reasons:
Data protection and privacy
With the advancement of technology and the ever-increasing amount of data collected, data protection is more important than ever. Digital ethics considers questions such as: What is appropriate data collection and use? What does consent mean in the digital age? How can we respect and protect the privacy of users?
Artificial intelligence and machine ethics
AI systems are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly influencing our lives - from recommendation systems to autonomous vehicles and medical diagnostic systems. But who is responsible when an AI makes a mistake? How can we ensure that AI systems are fair and unbiased? These questions fall within the realm of digital ethics.
Digital justice and inclusion
It is important to ensure that all people have access to digital technologies and that these technologies are not used to promote discrimination or injustice. Digital ethics addresses issues of digital participation, accessibility, and the design of technologies that promote diversity and inclusion.
Cybersecurity and trust
The digital world is increasingly confronted with security risks and cyber attacks. Digital ethics therefore raises questions about the responsibility and duty of companies and individuals with regard to the security of digital systems and data.
Sustainability
Increasing digitization also has an impact on our environment, for example through the energy consumption of data centers or the production of electronic devices. Digital ethics therefore also looks at how we can design and use technologies in a sustainable and responsible way.