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Eddy Mbuthia

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES CAT ONE

1) The magical experience of browsing the internet often lulls users into a false sense of
security because of do you think anonymity, where neither personal identities nor
consequences for behavior exists. Discuss the ethical and moral issues raised by
anonymity. 6marks
1. Cyberbullying and Harassment: People who feel protected from repercussions by their
anonymity may feel more comfortable engaging in cyberbullying and harassment. For victims,
this may result in severe emotional and psychological suffering.
2. False identity and deceit:
People can readily mimic others without having to have their identities verified, which can
result in fraud and misleading representation. This could be used for evil intent, such
disseminating misleading information or carrying out scams.
3. Extremism and Hate Speech: People can indulge in hate speech and voice extreme opinions
without worrying about facing consequences to their personal life while they remain
anonymous. This may have an impact on the polarization of online groups and the
dissemination of extreme views.
4. Inadequate Accountability
Because users may not experience repercussions in the real world for their online behavior,
anonymity diminishes accountability. This lack of accountability can lead to reckless actions,
which can include disseminating false information or committing crimes.
5. Privacy Concerns: Anonymity helps safeguard user privacy, but it also brings up issues with
the improper use of personal data. It becomes essential to strike a balance between responsible
behavior and privacy in order to preserve a positive online community.
6. Disruptive behavior and trolling: People who participate in online activities purely for the
purpose of wreaking havoc without fear of repercussions from others may be encouraged to do
so by anonymity.
7. Erosion of Trust: In online groups, the preponderance of anonymous interactions can cause
trust to dissolve. Users could grow suspicious and reluctant to participate in deep conversations
if they are unable to confirm the identities and intents of other people.

2) Do you think that it is ethically defensible for ISPs and government agencies to keep
records of all internet activities undertaken by individuals? Give reasons for your
answers. 6marks
ANSWER
The ethical viability of recording every online activity relies on how security
considerations and individual liberties are balanced. Achieving the ideal balance
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necessitates putting in place strong privacy protections, openness in data handling

procedures, and supervision systems to stop misuse. In the end, the possible
advantages in terms of security and public safety should be carefully evaluated
against the ethical considerations. Regarding this, all laws and ethical norms should
be followed and fundamental rights should be respected.

Favorable factors
1. Defense of the Nation: Proponents contend that maintaining records is necessary for
maintaining national security. Data about internet activities can be used to detect
and stop possible dangers, such as cybercrime and terrorism.
2. Investigating and Preventing Crime: Maintaining documentation facilitates criminal
investigation and prevention. law enforcement organizations may require access to
information about internet activity in order to locate those engaged in illicit
operations including fraud, drug trafficking, or human trafficking.
3. Public Safety: Those who support record-keeping argue that it helps keep people
safe by enabling authorities to keep an eye on and take action when someone might
endanger herself or others.
4. Accountability and Legal Compliance: Maintaining documentation helps people and
organizations stay compliant with the law and guarantees accountability. It offers a
way to look into and deal with problems like internet harassment, copyright
violations, and other illicit activity.
5. Research and Analysis Data: Anonymized and aggregated online activity data can
be a useful resource for studies, providing insights into patterns, bolstering
infrastructure, and enhancing services.
Adverse causes:
1. Privacy concerns: Invasion of personal privacy is one of the main worries. The
practice of recording every online activity gives rise to concerns over the right to
privacy and the possibility of unjustified monitoring.
2. Abuse Potential: Detractors claim that the risk of abuse stems from centralized data
storage because businesses or people with bad intents may misuse such extensive
access to information.
3. Chilling Effect on Free Expression: There may be a chilling effect on free
expression if people are aware that their online actions are being watched. People
could be reluctant to if they are afraid of being scrutinized, they can voice their
thoughts or research contentious issues.
4. Risks of Data Breach:The risk of data breaches rises when large volumes of
sensitive data are stored. In the event that the saved data ends up in the wrong
hands, it could result in cybercrime such as identity theft, extortion, or other
crimes.
5. Ineffectiveness in Preventing Crimes: Some contend that it is difficult to
successfully identify and prevent crimes due to the massive amount of data that is
gathered. Mass surveillance should be secondary to targeted, intelligence-driven
strategies.

3) Using relevant examples describe two ethical theories. 4marks

 1. Utilitarianism:
This consequentialist ethical theory holds that an action's morality is based on
the total amount of happiness or utility it produces. Put another way, if a course
of action increases overall happiness or pleasure and decreases suffering or
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pain, then it is ethically justified.

The Trolley Problem, for instance; A utilitarian perspective can be used to
examine the Trolley Problem, a well-known ethical conundrum. This scene
shows a runaway trolley approaching five individuals who are fastened to a
track and you can choose to veer the trolley onto a another track where there is
only a single person restrained. According to utilitarianism, it would be morally
correct to reroute the trolley in order to reduce overall damage and save five
lives rather than one.
Remark: One criticism of utilitarianism is that, in cases when it necessitates
sacrificing the interests of a minority in favor of the greater good, it may result
in morally dubious decisions. Critics contend that it might not sufficiently
uphold justice or individual rights.
 2. The concept of deontology
According to deontology, an action is morally justified if it follows a set of
moral guidelines or norms, regardless of the repercussions. It is a non-
consequentialist ethical theory. It highlights responsibilities, duties, and the
intrinsic value of activities.
Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative, for instance
The categorical imperative was put out by Immanuel Kant, a prominent figure
in deontological ethics, as a general moral rule. This requirement can be stated
as follows: "Act solely in accordance with the maxim whereby you can
simultaneously will that it ought to be made into a global law." Said another
way, a deed is morally justified if the underlying concept can be accepted by all
without causing contradiction. For instance, it would be morally unacceptable
for anyone to lie since such a world could not exist.
Critique: Deontology's detractors contend that it can be rigid and may fail to
sufficiently handle circumstances in which moral principles clash. Furthermore,
others contend that in circumstances with grave implications, deontological
principles might not offer clear direction.
Comparatively speaking: Utilitarianism seeks to increase total happiness or
pleasure by focusing on the effects of acts.
Deontology places emphasis on the intrinsic value of deeds and the observance
of general moral precepts independent of the results.
Whereas deontology is thought to be more rigid and practical, utilitarianism is
frequently linked to flexibility.

4) Explain the difference between legal and ethical policies in an organization when
working with information systems.4marks
1. Legal Policies:
Definition: Rules and regulations that comply with relevant statutes, rules, and regulations are
considered legal policies inside an organization. These guidelines are intended to guarantee that
the company complies with the laws that control all of its operations, including information
systems-related ones.
Focus: Complying with the directives issued by governing bodies and regulatory agencies is the
main goal of legal policies. They cover topics including cybersecurity, data protection,
intellectual property rights, and other legal requirements.
Enforcement: Failure to abide with the law may result in fines, penalties, or legal action being
taken against the organization. Legal regulations are obligatory and frequently contain precise,
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enforceable penalties for breaking them.

As an illustration, a legal policy can require that the company follow data protection regulations
by putting in place steps to protect client data, get permission to process it, and notify
regulators of any breaches of data in line with legal obligations.
2. Moral Guidelines:
Definition: Guidelines that demonstrate the organization's dedication to moral behavior and
principles are known as ethical policies. These rules go above and above what is required by
law in an effort to help staff members make morally right decisions.
Focus: Ethical policies deal with matters that are ethically right or wrong but may not be
specifically addressed by legislation. They emphasize values like fairness, honesty, integrity,
and respect for all parties involved, which includes the community, clients, and staff.
Enforcement: Legal policies are frequently more enforceable than ethical ones, despite the fact
that ethical principles are essential for fostering a strong corporate culture. Ethics policy
violations may have internal repercussions such as warnings, but legal action might not follow.
As an illustration, even in situations when it is not mandated by law, an ethical policy may
encourage staff members to reveal possible conflicts of interest in order to preserve openness
and confidence inside the company.
Principal Disparities:
1. Basis of Regulation: To ensure adherence to the legal framework, legal policies are
predicated on current laws and regulations that are relevant to the company.
Even when they are not expressly required by law, ethical rules are founded on moral
standards and values that the organization considers significant.
2. Compliance Focus: Legal policies prioritize adherence to external rules and regulations that
are enforced by relevant authorities.
The main goal of ethical policies is to promote an optimistic internal corporate culture that is
consistent with common ideals.
3. Enforceability: Laws are frequently easier to enforce and may have legal repercussions for
noncompliance. While ethical policies often have less legal enforceability, they still have a
positive impact on an organization's reputation and culture.