Computer ethics and applied contexts

This chapter explores the role computer ethics and its implications on all applied ethical fields, in particular on media ethics, business ethics, criminal justice ethics, medical ethics, bioethics and environmental ethics. It discusses in particular the role played by information and communication technology (ICT) in a variety of contexts. Freedom of speech and expression are of central importance to both computer and media ethics, and because of the decentralized and global nature of the Internet, pornography, hate language and various illegal activities are much more difficult to control than in more traditional media. The chapter concentrates on two aspects where computers have made a significant difference: monitoring and surveillance in relation to privacy and trust, and biometrics. This chapter focuses ICT in medical contexts particularly data protection related to medical records and online consultation. It focuses on the role of ICTs in bioethics with a special focus on modern genomics.