Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society

Vulnerabilities and responsibilities: dealing with monsters in computer security : Table of Contents

W. Pieters, L. Consoli — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze information security assessment in terms of cultural categories and virtue ethics, in order to explain the cultural origin of certain types of security vulnerabilities, as well as to enable a proactive attitude towards preventing such vulnerabilities. Design/methodology/approach – Vulnerabilities in information security are compared to the concept of “monster” introduced by Martijntje Smits in philosophy of technology. The applicability of different strategies for dealing with monsters to information security is discussed, and the strategies are linked to attitudes in virtue ethics. Findings – It is concluded that the present approach can form the basis for dealing proactively with unknown future vulnerabilities in information security. Research limitations/implications – The research presented here does not define a stepwise approach for implementation of the recommended strategy in practice. This is future work. Practical implications – The results of this paper enable computer experts to rethink their attitude towards security threats, thereby reshaping their practices. Originality/value – This paper provides an alternative anthropological framework for descriptive and normative analysis of information security problems, which does not rely on the objectivity of risk.

Globalisation, new technologies (ICTs) and dual labour markets: the case of Europe : Table of Contents

Javier Ramos, Paula Ballell — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that in spite of the widely optimistic held view on the effect of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in promoting the “knowledge society” in Europe and economic development elsewhere, evidence suggests that ICT's could be strengthening labour duality world wide. Design/methodology/approach – The paper addresses these issues by presenting a brief assessment of the “Washington Consensus” and the emergence of ICTs in terms of trade, growth and inequality in different regions of our planet. The paper also describes the effects of globalisation and ICTs on European economies. Finally, the paper presents the key finding and raises some policy implications to exploit ICT potentialities to ensure welfare systems in advanced economies and development in emerging countries. Findings – The lack of sufficient institutional mechanism of distribution in developing economies is not only making it more difficult for economic growth to translate into development but it is also favouring relocations of production, pressures to deregulate employment, control salaries and social expenditure in Europe. This feeds complex processes of social segmentation world wide. To meet this challenge Europe has no choice but to opt for the development of avant-garde sectors. However, measures linked to the development of the knowledge society may not be sufficient to maintain our welfare states in the current context of globalisation. Europe must play a more internationally active role in the design of another model of globalisation that would encompass social policies at a global scale as one of its pillars. Originality/value – There are very few studies of ICTs' role in the relationship between openness-growth-development-inequality. What are ICTs responsible for? What are ICTs' effects on development and welfare state sustainability?

No country for older people? Age and the digital divide : Table of Contents

Ruth Abbey, Sarah Hyde — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on age and the digital divide by examining the uses of and attitudes toward information and communication technologies (ICTs) by 26 politically senior citizens. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken involved in-depth face-to-face interviews. Findings – The majority of the respondents are informed and balanced cyber-enthusiasts who have embraced the opportunities afforded by ICTs to enhance their lives in general, including their political activities. Originality/value – These findings destabilize the dominant image of older people and their attitudes to and experiences of ICTs that appears in most of the literature on age and the digital divide. Those aged 65 and over represent the last cohort, in Western societies at least, for whom age as such is likely to be a decisive factor in their relationship to ICTs. It is therefore vital to get some insight into their views.

Crashing a virtual funeral: morality in MMORPGs : Table of Contents

Morgan Luck — Sat Oct 24 08:00:20 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline a case where people's intuitions regarding the ethical status of an action performed in a massively multiplayer online role-playing game are divided, and provide an argument to resolve this division. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes a philosophical approach, from the analytical tradition. It details the main arguments for each side and provides counter-arguments in order to indicate the salient points. Findings – The paper argues that, of the three arguments for the morality of particular virtual action outlined in this paper, none are satisfactory. An argument for the immorality of the action in questions based upon the fairness/sportsmanship distinction is offered. Originality/value – The development of case-based ethical studies, which draw upon current and controversial events within popular virtual environments, are useful in the construction of a deeper understanding of moral action within such spaces.