Ethics of information and communication tech

The impact of the new technologies is so far‑reaching that it is impossible to address the vast range of issues that are encompassed within the scope of information and communication technologies. In accepting the request the EGE decided to focus on Internet technologies. As the EGE will be examining security issues arising from ICT in a subsequent opinion, it will not address them in this document. There will be similarities in the ethical issues arising from the use of ICT in health, government, education, agriculture and commerce as they impact on society and individuals. The EGE will therefore deal with the ethical problems in general, using examples to highlight issues within particular domains. ICT in the home and in the interaction of individuals is as important as the Internet, and the implications are just as far‑reaching. This Opinion should provide suggestions for an ethically sound use of ICT.

The EGE acknowledges the number of positive actions already undertaken by the European Union and its Institutions and makes a number of recommendations to guarantee that the European Digital Agenda can contribute to the flourishing and prosperity of the Union while respecting the values on which Europe is founded and that it continues to embrace.