Ethical Literacy in Information Professions

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary expectation for information professionals regarding ethical issues?

To have a basic understanding of ethical issues relevant to their profession

To actively participate in debates on global ethics

To focus solely on the technological aspects of information management

To possess a solid understanding of ethical issues relevant to their areas of professional practice (correct)

Which emerging fields are encompassed within the term digital ethics?

Philosophical ethics and cultural ethics

AI ethics, data ethics, and information ethics (correct)

Environmental ethics and social justice

Corporate ethics and educational ethics

What aspect of technological evolution adds complexity to ethical questions for information professionals?

The decrease in the volume of data available

The use of traditional data storage methods

The advancements in artificial intelligence technologies (correct)

The adoption of worldwide ethical codes

How can digital ethics be characterized for leaders in the information field?

A core knowledge area that is increasingly important Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key focus for RIM leaders according to evolving technologies?

Crafting policies on the use and safeguards of technologies Signup and view all the answers

What stages of the information lifecycle are transformed by advancements such as big data?

At least two stages, including creation and access Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the complexity of ethical questions for information professionals?

Competence in traditional information ethics must evolve Signup and view all the answers

What role does inferred data play in the information lifecycle as determined by technological evolution?

It influences creation, access, and usage stages Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary steps in developing digital ethics literacy?

Building on existing digital literacy Signup and view all the answers

Which organizations have established AI ethics principles?

European Union, OECD, UNESCO Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental knowledge is sufficient for management of records and information concerning technology?

High-level understanding of functional characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which type of learning algorithms focuses on labeled data for training?

Supervised learning Signup and view all the answers

Which book provides a comprehensive overview of AI ethics principles?

The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is not typically required for expanding digital literacy into AI?

A deep understanding of data science Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical issue is essential for information professionals to understand when dealing with AI?

The relationship between algorithm types and data Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about digital literacy and technology in RIM roles is incorrect?

Professional digital literacy requires extensive coding skills. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is specifically focused on avoiding harm to others?

Principle of Non-Maleficence Signup and view all the answers

What is required for competency in an applied ethics field?

Ethical literacy and subject matter expertise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following issues is a core topic in information ethics?

Cybersecurity Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes ethical knowledge, as described in the content?

It is learned through socialization and mostly known tacitly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of digital ethics?

Understanding ethical implications in relation to digital technologies Signup and view all the answers

Which principle would prohibit coercing others without their informed consent?

Principle of Autonomy Signup and view all the answers

As technologies evolve, which ethics field has transformed and subsumed information ethics?

Digital Ethics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of ethical knowledge?

It is a body of norms about right and wrongful conduct. Signup and view all the answers

Which general rule is part of the principle of non-maleficence?

Prohibiting stealing from others. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main ethical risks associated with ML and DL technologies?

Algorithmic bias reflecting societal biases Signup and view all the answers

Which new issue has AI added to traditional information ethics areas?

Accountability in decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of digital ethics literacy?

Strict adherence to privacy laws Signup and view all the answers

How does ML/DL extend traditional data privacy issues?

By requiring access to large volumes of personal information Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is exemplified by the OECD Privacy Framework?

Protection of personal data privacy Signup and view all the answers

What do algorithmic bias and opacity pose as a challenge in AI ethics?

They obscure the relationship between inputs and outputs Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred from seemingly trivial information such as social media likes?

It can lead to sensitive personal insights Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of ML and DL technologies introduces new risks related to privacy?

Capacity to form new inferences from data Signup and view all the answers

What aspect intensifies the risk of bias in ML models?

Inclusion of biased data in training sets Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of opaque algorithms in decision-making?

Unclear pathways from input to output decisions Signup and view all the answers

Which is a major concern regarding the environmental impact of AI?

Resource-intensive requirements of large models Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Literacy and RIM Leadership

Information professionals must understand ethical issues relevant to their practice areas, such as records management and libraries.
Codified professional ethics distinguish these professions from other knowledge work.
The rise of technologies, especially AI, expands and complicates ethical questions in the information field.
Professionals need to evolve their competencies in traditional information ethics to include digital ethics, covering AI and data ethics.
Digital ethics is essential for leaders to navigate emerging technologies' impacts across the information lifecycle, including creation, access, and usage.

Digital Ethics Framework

Digital ethics should be grounded in common morality but specifically apply to digital technologies and practices.
Ethics encompasses norms and knowledge about conduct, blending insights from various disciplines like philosophy and sociology.
Mooradian’s ethical framework includes principles from general guidelines to specific judgments dealing with ethical conduct.
Five core ethical principles include:
- Non-Maleficence (Non-Harm)
- Autonomy
- Fairness
- Responsibility
- Beneficence
Each principle specifies general rules applicable to emerging socio-technical contexts.

Evolution of Ethics in Technology

Information ethics, arising with technologies like computer networks and databases, has transformed into the broader field of digital ethics.
Core issues in information ethics include data privacy, confidentiality, intellectual property, and cybersecurity, now complicated by AI technologies.
AI has introduced new ethical challenges:
- Algorithmic bias and opacity
- Misinformation
- Automation of knowledge work
- Environmental impact of resource-heavy AI systems.

Challenges of AI and Machine Learning

AI technologies, particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), demand extensive data, raising privacy concerns.
ML and DL create associations that can unveil sensitive personal information from innocuous data, heightening privacy risks.
Algorithmic biases may lead to discrimination in decision-making processes, especially in high-stakes areas such as loan applications and law enforcement.
The opacity of certain algorithms complicates understanding their decision-making processes, fostering ethical concerns.

Digital Ethics Literacy

Digital ethics literacy combines information literacy, ethical reasoning, and digital skills.
Information literacy involves recognizing and effectively using needed information, also encompassing critical thinking.
Acquiring digital ethics literacy involves:
- Building on existing information and digital literacies.
- Understanding the contextual principles and functionalities of emerging technologies.
Familiarity with AI ethics principles and guidelines from organizations like the EU and OECD is crucial for developing ethical literacy.

Developing Digital Literacy in RIM

Information professionals should enhance their digital literacy through a foundational understanding of traditional technologies, like databases and content management systems.
Basic comprehension of AI systems, including supervised and unsupervised learning, is vital, even without deep technical expertise.
Familiarity with AI-related concepts equips RIM leaders to address and manage the ethical implications of emerging technologies in their roles.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential ethical issues that information professionals must understand in records, archives, libraries, and IT. Participants will engage with the foundations of ethical literacy crucial for effective leadership in these fields. Test your knowledge and ethical awareness as it relates to your professional practice.