- Privacy Concerns: The collection and storage of personal information, such as financial details, health records, and behavioral data, raise significant privacy concerns. People have a reasonable expectation that their personal information will be kept confidential and used only for intended purposes. Unauthorized access, data breaches, or sharing of this information without consent can violate privacy rights and lead to identity theft, discrimination, or other harmful consequences.
- Security Breaches and Data Protection: Safeguarding stored electronic information is crucial. Organizations storing such data must add robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access, hacking, or data breaches. Failing to secure this information can result in significant breaches of trust and harm to individuals if their sensitive data gets exposed, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, or personal distress.
- Consent and Control Over Data: Ethical dilemmas arise concerning consent and control over personal data. People may not always be fully aware of the extent of information collected about them or how it’s being used. Providing transparent information about data collection practices and obtaining informed consent is essential. Moreover, individuals should have control over their data, including the right to access, correct, or delete their information as per data protection regulations.
- Data Use and Profiling: The use of stored electronic information for profiling, targeted advertising, or decision-making processes without individuals’ knowledge or consent raises ethical questions. Algorithms and analytics applied to personal data might lead to biases or discriminatory outcomes, impacting individuals’ opportunities or experiences based on automated assumptions derived from their data profiles.