The term ethics is defined as “a set of moral principles” or “the principles of conduct governing an
individual or a group.”1 Since the dawn of civilization, the study of ethics and their impact has fascinated
mankind. But what do ethics have to do with information systems?
The introduction of new technology can have a profound effect on human behavior. New technologies
give us capabilities that we did not have before, which in turn create environments and situations that have
not been specifically addressed in ethical terms. Those who master new technologies gain new power;
those who cannot or do not master them may lose power. In 1913, Henry Ford implemented the first
moving assembly line to create his Model T cars. While this was a great step forward technologically
(and economically), the assembly line reduced the value of human beings in the production process. The
development of the atomic bomb concentrated unimaginable power in the hands of one government, who
then had to wrestle with the decision to use it. Today’s digital technologies have created new categories of
ethical dilemmas