This paper examines some of the ethical problems involved in
undertaking Internet research and draws on historical accounts
as well as contemporary studies to offer an analysis of the issues
raised. It argues that privacy is a misleading and confusing
concept to apply to the Internet, and that the concept of nonalienation is more resourceful in addressing the many ethical
issues surrounding Internet research. Using this as a basis, the
paper then investigates the Free/Libre and Open Source research
model and argues for the principles of “open source ethics” in
researching the online world, which includes a participatory and
democratic research method.