In: Computer Science
When people use interactive programs on the Web, do you feel it is appropriate to track which buttons they select or to record the data they enter? When is it appropriate, and when is it not? Does it matter how long the data is stored? Does it matter if a profit is made from using the data?
Answer)
The most important ethical issue with regards to recording the data or conducting any research on the data is while there is informed consent along with respecting the anonymity or confidentiality and respecting the privacy.
These are considered important while one is adhering to some of the ethical norms of the research. This is a norm for promoting the aims of any research like knowledge, avoidance of any error, or the truth.
Some of the examples to these are the prohibition against that of fabrication, for any falsification or misrepresentation of the research data, or for promoting the truth as well as error reduction.
It is appropriate when one is doing research and this should be done by the consent of the user, hence some of the companies ask the user to accept the terms and condition of their website after which the companies perform their research on the ways user use their website, the number of times they visited, what all data are being stored and etc.
It is not appropriate to save the personal details of the user like the credit card, financial information, etc.
It does matter how long the data is stored, as there are many data breaches happening currently that are creating an issue hence an organization needs to keep the data securely and safely. Also, they should look at purging the data and storing it so that it is not easily accessible to the attackers.
It matters to the organization when a profit is made with the use of data.
Please comment in case you need any other inputs.
Please share a like if you find the answer helpful.
Thank you.