Web Ethics

For every benefit that internet technology has given us in connectivity and business development tools, there have been those willing to take advantage of it and behave unethically on the internet.

At their most malevolent, unethical web practices include identity theft and other predatory behavior targeted at specific segments of the internet population.

The most common ethics issue that businesses have to deal with is the use of their verified email addresses and customer data for unsolicited messages.

Businesses in an aggressive attempt to mass-market their products often cross the line knowingly or (through third parties) unknowingly.

It is imperative that you differentiate yourself from these types of business practices by developing and communicating a code of web ethics.

There are other aspects of web ethics that you should consider:

1. Protecting the information of your clients and customers. It is critical that your web site offers secure socket layer (SSL) encryption to protect your customers from having their information accessed without authorization. Every effort should be made to ensure the security of your web site – including firewall protection, revolving passwords, and swiftly revoking security clearance from discharged employees.
2. Plagiarism and copyright infringement. Anything you publish on your web site should be your own work, work you legally purchased, or work you have explicit permission to use. Using other people's thoughts, ideas, and creations without permission – even though they are digital – is still stealing.
3. Cultural awareness. Unlike a brick and mortar business that is entrenched in a particular community and is aware of the culture of that community, your internet audience can be from anywhere in the world, speak any language, and have any cultural background. Respecting cultural differences and welcoming different types of people is important behavior in the global internet community.
4. Spamming. One of the most prevalent ethical issues on the internet (one that often crosses over into legal issues) is spamming, the unethical practice of sending unsolicited email to people. It is therefore advisable for businesses to use a well-designed email campaign and with both opt-in and opt-out options.

Consumers expect a certain level of ethical behavior from businesses on the internet.

Ignorance of these expectations could result in a breach of your clients' trust. That could do irreversible harm to the reputation of your business and lose you a lot of business.

If you have questions about Web Ethics and how they relate to your business, give us a call or use our contact form and send us your question. We would love to speak with you.