Internet Ethics

Introduction

Internet Ethics or Cyber Ethics can be described as acceptable behavior standards to be followed by digital users while using the internet. They help digital citizens stay safe online by setting up a set of moral principles that govern the usage of Computers and Internet.

Acceptance

There are multiple advantages of the Internet including sharing knowledge, information & learning, shopping, entertainment, connectivity with friends, family and others. The action of consenting to receive or undertake what Internet offers as it belongs to everyone and there is no barrier of national and local cultures.

Sensitivity to National and Local cultures

Internet users should be aware, sensitive, thoughtful and understanding about the differences in the national and local cultures of the netizens they get to meet in an online world. This will help develop a positive and friendly online environment /space leading to fruitful interactions and dynamic cyber society with unity in diversity.

While using Email and Chatting for Communication

Internet must be used for communication with family and friends. We should not use the internet chatting for communicating with strangers and should not forward the emails from strangers. And we must teach children about the risks involved by chatting or forwarding emails to strangers.

Do not pretend to be someone else on digital space

As digital users we should be aware that the internet is a global medium used for knowledge sharing, interaction, communication, trade, commerce and education. It is necessary that all the users using this medium adopt trustful and truthful means of interaction & communication to promote a healthy, vibrant, positive cyber space that is conducive for growth and progress.

Avoid using bad language on public platforms

Being kind and considerate is a basic human value or moral principle that we are taught in the physical world; the same applies to the cyber world too. While interacting online, digital users should remember not to be rude or use bad language while using email communication, chatting, blogging and social networking.

Protection of Personal Information

Digital users should ensure protecting their sensitive personal information and restrict sharing information such as home address, phone numbers, email addresses, passwords, photographs to anyone on public platforms while accessing the internet.

Be careful while accessing online content and app download

As digital users, we make use of the internet to learn and gain knowledge, play games, watch movies, listen to music, etc.,. With access to a vast variety of content, as responsible digital citizens we should be aware of copyright policy and be careful to follow it downloading applications, music, software etc., from the internet.

Supervision of the Internet usage

Supervision of internet usage and taking appropriate guidance from responsible and aware members, regarding acceptable, ethical and secure ways of accessing the internet can contribute to the right usage of the internet. This can help in safeguarding children, students and other members from falling prey to online threats and provide them with appropriate precautions to be taken.

Encouraging safe usage of internet

The Internet is the perfect place for different activities – it’s a best place to gain knowledge and learn about new things; it’s a medium that helps interact and collaborate with people across the world, it is a very good source of entertainment and communication; also there are several online services that helps trade, commerce, business; an Internet connection allows many people to work from home or have a virtual office or attend online classes etc., There are innumerable benefits of internet that can help people, economies, business, governance etc.,

Accessing Internet

Internet access is the ability of individuals and organizations to connect to the Internet using computer terminals, computers, and other devices; and to access services such as email and the World Wide Web.

More Info