Cyber ethics : Communications principles and policies of the Internet

Abstract

Cyber Ethics is a development of ethics of the public forum, based on the principle of freedom of communication. The goal is to develop a minimal Cyber Ethic concept that may be accepted by people of all cultures and religions, not as a replacement for their beliefs, but as an acceptance of ethical progress in an Internet-mediated global environment. From this acceptance, the global strategies and actions leading to a better world may be developed. The ideals of journalism contribute to an Internet Code of Ethics. The Code, supplemented with emerging global principles relating to Internet infrastructure development advocates development of a schema to match Habermas' ideal speech situation-a precondition to development of democracy and freedom. Threats to the Internet cultural commercial, and scientific milieu are not only inappropriate regulation, but also adverse development of hardware and informational environments by organisations wishing to exploit the resources of the Internet without constraint. Issues of key importance, identified by defensive activity by the Internet community and by opposing scenarios to that of the Internet Code of Ethics are cyptography, copyright censorship, software patents, privacy universal access, and content provision. The Cyber Ethical perspective is that the principles represent a paradigm shift away from aggressive nationalism alrd cultural intolerance. It contends that the operation sf a culturally inclusive and diverse Internet public forum will produce a self-protective strategy. This will in turn set the stage for an Internet jurisdiction, global economic and environmental reform, and reform of global governance systems. The immediate strategy for an ethical Internet community is to realise an optimal Internet infrastructure and to provide leadership in a global internet mediated policy making process.