Today the technology exists to do exactly that, but legislation has yet to come to terms with how people can interact from opposite sides of the world. Computing crosses cultural, religious, political and economic boundaries and, as such, challenges our social norms. But there are several core values that are common, such as knowledge, freedom and impartiality, on which a universal ethical code for ICT can be founded. There are so-called policy vacuums created by technology which lead to ethical dilemmas, admits Rogerson. Some may arise from new twists on old problems.
Privacy is a good example.
Ever since civilisation began, the right to privacy has been a philosophical issue. The concern is how this will be translated into organisational strategy and action. Another, surely, is that capitalism relies on competition to supply people s needs. But market forces are reductive, and if the market merely regards us, say, as ABC1s who shop at Sainsbury s, then the commercial exploitation of that knowledge could mean nothing less than the in-depth exploitation of people. Knowledge resides with people, and I can imagine an organisational world where people are cherished, encouraged and justly rewarded so they remain content and loyal.