Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Technologies

IT is often described as application of computing machines in certain networks, some of which provide communication protocols by using routers and other network devices in order to ensure that millions of computers can exchange, store, transmit, and receive data.

Code of ethics is a written document that describes the key ethical issues of organizations, companies, and groups.

The code of ethics often finds place in business organizations and it is often developed to

• positively affect all stakeholders, for instance, end-user of products, customers /    clients, employees of the firms, current and future supporter of projects,
• enhance the public’s confidence and respect to the managements’ decision,
• clarify the responsibilities of the professionals’ to the society,
• assist education of the member of profession at whom the code is directed.

An organization’s code of ethics is not only for its employees, but also, the directors and

officers of the organization also should take into account these codes.

Support IT Profession, education, and establish the policies on IT in order to improve the society.

Make research and provide education on IT and IT related topics.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has been working on to establish knowledge societies, which are based on the following:

• freedom of expression,
• universal access to information and knowledge,
• respect for cultural and linguistic diversity,
• quality education for all.

Since it is believed that universal access to information is key to constructing peace, sustainable economic development, and intercultural dialogue, therefore, UNESCO has been encouraging its Member states and international organizations to:

• provide open-access to scientific information, educational resources and free software,
• facilitate acquisition of basic computer skills and usage of information technology,
• ensure universal access to information without any discrimination,
• take some of the necessary steps to ensure universal access to information and knowledge.

Intellectual property is a non-physical property concerning creations of the human mind that are used in commerce.

Intellectual property rights refer to the legal rights given to the inventor or creator to protect and fully benefit from his/her own work or investment in a certain period of time.

In general, countries have laws to protect and promote the intellectual property because of its contribution to economic and social improvements. Protection and promotion of creativity and innovation lead to

• create new industries and jobs, which supports economic growth
• enhance the life quality and enjoyment of life
• encourage the creator and innovator to create and invent new work in the cultural and technological area.

Intellectual property is often classified as an industrial property and copyright. Considering The Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (1967), the following are protected by Industrial property rights:

• inventions, industrial designs,
• trademarks, service marks, commercial names and designations,
• protection against unfair competition.

Intellectual property is often classified as an industrial property and copyright. Considering The Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization (1967), the following are protected by copyrights:

• literary, artistic and scientific works,
• performances of performing artists, phonograms and broadcasts;
• paintings and sculptures, films and technology-based works (computer programs and electronic databases). 

Subject, Applicability, Novelty, Inventive step, Presentation of the invention.

A trademark is a sign, or a combination of signs, that is used to distinguish product or service

of a company from those of another.

There are some exceptions to copyright protection. For instance,

• quoting from a protected work, provided that the source of the quotation and the name of the author are mentioned, and that the extent of the quotation is compatible with fair practice;
• use of works by way of illustration for teaching purposes;
• use of works for the purpose of news reporting.

Protection of privacy was introduced as a distinct human right in The Universal Declaration

of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.

While, in Turkey, spending time for social networks allocates 80% of all time spent online, whereas, in Europe, this ratio is not much than 50% of all time spent online.

The Internet presents significant new challenges for protecting the right to privacy. The most important ones are summarized as follows.

• Results in the collection of new types of personal information,
• Simplifies the collection of location of personal information,
• Introduces new capacities for government and private actors to analyse personal information,
• Introduces new opportunities for commercial use of personal information.

• Contribute to society and human wellbeing.
• Avoid harm to others.
• Be honest and trustworthy.
• Be fair and take action not to discriminate.
• Honor property rights including copyrights and patent.
• Give proper credit for intellectual property.
• Respect the privacy of others.
• Honor confidentiality.