Ethical and Social Issues and Data Mining
Ethical issues with data mining abound. For example, when businesses collect personal or private customer data, questions may arise such as: What can be done with the data/information? Who owns it? How can it be used? When should it be disposed of? Where can it be securely stored? Should data collection consent be required? Can the accuracy of the data be determined?
Data can be thought of as a business currency that is collected for its ever-increasing resale value. And yet, businesses must carefully balance capitalizing on the usage of this dubious currency while navigating a multitude of ethical and/or legally explosive landmines. Understanding the various ethical issues surrounding the use of data mining techniques and its applications is challenging at best.
For your initial post in the discussion forum, review the module lesson, and address the following:
First, share an example from the news media (journals, newspapers, magazine articles, or current news stories, etc.), of an ethical issue posed by data mining techniques and its applications within a specific organization or industry. Be sure to link to the example, and briefly describe the specific ethical concerns and how they are being addressed.
Then, reflect on how you personally define ethics, and share what you think the ethical approach is for the example you shared.
Next, assess what some of the potential ethical problems may be with predictive analytics. Provide specific examples, and share links to examples that support your arguments.
Respond to at least two of your peers by reviewing their posts, and explain whether you think the example of ethical considerations they presented should be enforced and if so, explain how (and if not, explain your rationale). Then share your opinion on how far governing bodies should go in restricting the data mining activities of businesses in order to protect private citizens (for example, governance, legislation, oversight, opt-in/opt-out laws, etc.).
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