The field of information ethics has a relatively short but progressive history having been recognized in the United States for nearly 20 years.
[6] The origins of the field are in librarianship though it has now expanded to the consideration of ethical issues in other domains including computer science, the internet, media, journalism, management information systems, and business.
Soon after, Kent State University also introduced a master's level course called "Ethical Concerns For Library and Information Professionals."
Information transmission and literacy are essential concerns in establishing an ethical foundation that promotes fair, equitable, and responsible practices.
[9] Information technology affects common issues such as copyright protection, intellectual freedom, accountability, privacy, and security.
[12] Sources that are commonly censored include books, articles, speeches, art work, data, music and photos.
British philosopher John Stuart Mill argued censorship is unethical because it goes directly against the moral concept of utilitarianism.
[20] In a reply, Sadulla Karjiker argues that "economically, there is a material difference between permitting public libraries making physical books available and allowing such online distribution of ebooks.
"[21] Ali Pirhayati has proposed a thought experiment based on a high-tech library to neutralize the magnitude problem (suggested by Karjiker), and justify Forcehimes’ main idea.
This type of collection method may seem valuable to a user due to the fact that the transaction appears to be free in the monetary sense.
Circumstances that contribute to procedural fairness are providing the customer with the ability to voice their concerns or input, and control over the outcome of the contract.
In a few Equifax surveys conducted in the years 1994–1996, it was found that a substantial amount of the American public was concerned about business practices using private consumer information, and that is causes more harm than good.
With data processing technology flourishing, it allows for the company to make specific marketing campaigns for each of their individual customers.
[26] Data collection and surveillance infrastructure has allowed companies to micro-target specific groups and tailor advertisements for certain populations.
After the events of 9-11 and other terrorism attacks on civilians, surveillance by states raises ethical concerns of the individual privacy of citizens.
Many other countries, especially European nations within the current climate of terrorism, is looking for a balancing between stricter security and surveillance, and not committing the same ethical concerns associated with the USA Patriot Act.
[23] Ethical concerns of political entities regarding information warfare include the unpredictability of response, difficulty differentiating civilian and military targets, and conflict between state and non-state actors.