Entry #3: Four ethical issues that arise when storing electronic information about individuals.

Electronic information is increasingly becoming a necessary component of our daily lives as society gets more digital. Electronic data is kept on a variety of platforms, including databases, cloud storage, and mobile devices, and can include everything from personal identity information to medical records, financial records, and surfing history. But there are various moral questions that must be taken into account while storing electronic data about people.

Privacy is one of the most important moral problems that come up while keeping electronic data. Electronic data frequently contains sensitive information that should be kept private to safeguard people’s privacy. Theft of identities, financial fraud, and other types of harm to the person are all possibilities if this data is accessed without authorization. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure that electronic data is maintained securely and that only authorized individuals may access it.

Security is an important ethical concern. Electronic data is susceptible to hacking, cyberattacks, and other types of illegal access. To safeguard the data from these risks, it is essential to have strong security measures in place. This includes monitoring systems, access controls, firewalls, and encryption. Data breaches, the loss of personal information, and personal injury can occur when electronic information is not protected from unauthorized access.

Accuracy is a crucial ethical concern when storing electronic data. The information provided electronically must be true, complete, and current. Inaccurate information can lead to poor choices, disinformation, and harm to a person’s reputation. The data controller is responsible for making sure that the electronic data is accurate and that any mistakes are quickly fixed.

Last but not least, data retention raises moral concerns concerning retention times. Data retention above what is required may compromise people’s security and privacy. In order to clearly define how long electronic information will be retained and when it will be erased, companies must establish explicit data retention rules. Data that is no longer required should be securely and safely disposed away.

In conclusion, electronic information storage poses various moral concerns, such as data retention, privacy, security, and accuracy. To safeguard people’s rights and stop harm to them, it is crucial to address these ethical concerns. Clear policies and procedures must be established by organizations to guarantee that electronic data is securely stored, only accessible by authorized employees, and removed when no longer required.