The proliferation of electronic data storage systems has created complex ethical issues, particularly regarding the storage of electronic information about individuals. In this response, we discuss four critical ethical issues that arise when storing electronic information about individuals.
The first ethical issue is confidentiality. Confidentiality is a critical issue in electronic data storage, which relates to the ability to keep sensitive appropriate protocols and standards to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, or manipulation. Failing to guarantee confidentiality undermines trust and could lead to social harm and legal sanctions.
The second ethical issue is accuracy. Verifying the accuracy of the data stored is critical since inaccurate data could lead to incorrect decision-making and social harm. Electronic data storage systems must be subject to periodic data quality assurance checks to prevent spurious analysis or incorrect modeling. Individuals must be allowed to verify the accuracy of their own data and request corrections where necessary.
The third ethical issue is privacy. In electronic data storage, privacy refers to protecting individuals’ rights to control their data. Through data mining and other analysis techniques, entities could create detailed profiles of individuals, including their medical history, financial data, and personal preferences. Privacy protection involves creating secure data management systems that prevent unauthorized access, breaches, or misuse. It is also essential to respect individuals’ right to know what data is being collected and for what reasons.
The fourth ethical is data disposal. Data storage entities must establish appropriate guidelines for storing and destroying electronic information about individuals. Electronic data is non-biodegradable, and degradation takes longer than traditional paper records. Thus sensitive information must be securely disposed of using appropriate methods such as shredding or physical destruction. Improper electronic data storage could lead to future misuse, loss of privacy, or financial loss.