social and ethical issues
The widespread use of information technology has raised a number of ethical issues. The following are some issues that relate specifically to analysing data:
- Unauthorised analysis of data occurs when people gain access to an information system
- The incorrect analysis of data results in accurate information. If data has been poorly organised or an inappropriate model used to represent a situation, the analysis will be wrong
- Privacy is eroded by linking databases for analysis: Most people in pursuit of society's benefits readily give information about themselves to selected organisations. They may also leave a trail or electronic data when they use a credit card, visit the doctor, use the library, access the internet or subscribe to a magazine