Internet Privacy,

Ethics, and Online

Security Paul Berryman

Melissa Pabon

Introduction

The topic for this module is Internet Privacy, Ethics, and Online

Security. We have divided this topic into the following sub-

topics: Internet Privacy, including laws enacted to protect the

privacy of children; Internet Ethics, including plagiarism and

cyberbullying; and Online Security.

Introduction

Each of these areas are gradually evolving with the development

of new technology. Traditionally, most issues addressed by these

topics have only general guidelines governing users’ behavior;

however, some structured rules are starting to develop to maintain

a safe environment online.

Introduction • Internet Privacy – The protection of sensitive and personal

information, sometimes called Personally Identifiable

Information (PII), from unauthorized or inappropriate

disclosure.

• Internet Ethics – The acceptable behavior while using the

Internet; being honest and respecting the rights of others on the

Internet.

• Online security – is protecting students from inappropriate

material online and protecting students and teachers from

threats from outsiders and each other.

The 5 Big Questions

Why is it used? or why is it an important issue?

Who uses it? or who is affected by it?

How is it used? or how does it work?

What is needed to use it? or what does it do?

What else is important about this technology tool or topic?

Why is it used? or why is it an important issue?

• Internet privacy, ethics, and online security are important issues

because they are present in every action taken by every user

online. With incidents of hacking, cyberbullying, and identity

theft rising, it is clear that students and teachers need directions

now more than ever.

• Yet, not every case has a clear-cut answer. Is hacking always

wrong? Are there ever cases where it’s acceptable for

companies and advertisers to collect data about customers

online, without violating their privacy? With these vague areas,

it is valuable to explore and discuss the boundaries of security,

privacy, and ethics.

Who uses it? or who is affected by it?

• Anyone who interacts online, in a closed off network (i.e.

school network), or even just uses a stand-alone computer is

affected by these topics.

• Internet ethics are practiced by, and affect, every user online.

While each person lives by his or her own moral code, Internet

ethics can be thought of as a general set of guidelines that users

follow.

How is it used? or how does it work?

• Privacy, ethics, and security is a combination of user education,

technological tools, and administrative policies and procedures.

Each group of individuals has a responsibility to protect users,

data, and systems from a variety of threats.

What is needed to use it? or what does it do?

• Organizations, from the top down, must take security seriously

and do their best to protect students, teachers, faculty, and

administrators. Administrations should conduct due diligence

and pay for good technical support and tools to protect the

network. But most importantly schools must educate their

faculty and students that they are the first line of defense in

security and maintain privacy.

What else is important about PRIVACY?

Lee Rainie (2005) gives several basic insights about Internet

privacy:

1. Privacy is a value for most, but not all people.

• About two thirds of Americans will give up information in

return for something of value.

2. Privacy means different things to different people.

• Privacy can be divided into the categories of Anonymity,

Confidentiality, and Security.

3. There is a variety of privacy violations.

• These range from Embarrassment to Personal Loss and Theft.

4. Not all information is guarded at the same level.

• Health and financial information is considered to be more

valuable.

5. People want control over information that relates to them.

• 86% of Americans say that Internet companies should ask

permission to use personal information.

What else is important about ETHICS?

The Internet Architecture Board (IAB) issued RFC 1087 'Ethics

and the Internet,' a policy concerning Internet ethics in 1989.

An excerpt from the policy: The IAB strongly endorses the view of the Division Advisory Panel of the National

Science Foundation Division of Network, Communications Research and

Infrastructure which, in paraphrase, characterized as unethical and unacceptable any

activity which purposely:

• Seeks to gain unauthorized access to the resources of the Internet.

• Disrupts the intended use of the Internet.

• Wastes resources (people, capacity, computer) through such actions.

• Destroys the integrity of computer-based information.

• Compromises the privacy of users.

RFC 1087 has since resulted in regulations concerning spamming

messages, privacy policies for websites requesting users to

provide personal details, and debate over whether governments

or individuals should monitor ethics on the Internet.

Educational Relevance

As technology evolves, teachers try to keep up by encouraging

students to utilize the Internet both inside and outside the

classroom. However, teachers and students face privacy

concerns, ethical concerns, and online security threats, along

with growing Internet use. School administrations must

develop plans for staying ahead of new issues, such as

plagiarism, cyberbullying, and privacy threats to students’

personal information.

Educational Relevance

Additionally, it is important for schools to stay current with laws

pertaining to student Internet use. The Children’s Internet

Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted in 2000 to protect children

from accessing harmful content over the Internet. Eligible

schools and libraries are required to follow certain

requirements under CIPA in order to receive discounts for

Internet access though the E-rate program. These requirements

include having an Internet safety policy that includes

technology protection measures that block access to harmful

content. This policy must include monitoring the online

activities of minors.

Educational Relevance

An amendment to CIPA, called the Protecting Children in the

21st Century Act, further requires that schools educate students

about appropriate online behavior, including cyberbullying

awareness and response.

Educational Relevance

• In regards to online security, there are several factors that make

it important for educators to understand. First, and foremost, is

for teachers of K-12 students. Children do not understand the

risks they may be taking by providing personal information on

the Internet.

Educational Relevance

• Besides the risk from cyberbulling and child stalkers, children

may unintentionally compromise their or others personal

information. Finally, their lack of understand makes them

prime targets for criminals and for virus/malware infections.

They are more likely to trust links in emails or other messages

and be exposed to attacks from fake websites and email

attachments.