ABSTRACT
The internet has become an unavoidable tool for development and communication in Ghana and so it is ignorant to avoid the increasing disregard for ethics and privacy on the internet and the lack of awareness of how our data and personal information are protected. This thesis research is aimed at gathering information on the awareness of Ghanaian internet users on these issues and making recommendations for software and application developers and policy makers on these issues.
Key Concepts: Privacy, Ethics, Data Protection, Internet use, Internet user behavior.
Contents
Chapter 1…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
Chapter 2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
Literature Review………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
2.4. Ethics, Internet Security, Internet Privacy and Media Law…………………………………………… 16
Chapter 3……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27
Methodology………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27
Chapter 4……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 33
Research Findings and Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………… 33
Chapter 5……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 45
Recommendations and Conclusions…………………………………………………………………………………….. 45
Introduction:
In the past century, the internet as a connection of networks that allows transfer of data has become one of the most relied on modes of communication worldwide. It is a tool used by individuals and businesses to stay connected, share information, collect data, update potential and regular customers on changes in services or products provided and so much more. In the last decade, the internet has changed slowly from being a sensation for computer scientists and other technology inclined people and turned into the biggest instrument the world depends on not only for convergence of information, communication and technology but also as a tool that companies can use to gain a competitive advantage over businesses. The internet also enables people from different countries and continents to interact and learn from each other without having to leave their homes.
With the addition of Social Media sites like Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and such, the internet also allows everyday users to stay connected with friends and family, gather data, share information and download or upload music, video and image files easily.
1
Background:
According to the Internet World Statistics website, the world’s total population as at 2011 was just under 7 billion and out of that number, over 2 billion people, which represents a penetration percentage of 32.7% made use of the internet. Of the entire world population, a little over 1 billion people represented the continent of Africa with 139 million a penetration percentage of 13.5% of that number representing the number of people who made use of the internet. (Miniwatts Marketing Group) Ghana, in 1999 had a total population of 18.5 million and 20,000 people out of that number were confirmed internet users. According to Internet World Statistics, this number continued to rise from 2 million internet users out of a population of 24-7 million in 2011 to 3.5 million internet users out of a population of 25.2 million as at June 30 2012. As at 30 June, 2012, Ghana had a registered 1.6 million Facebook members. (Miniwatts Marketing Group)
Problem Statement:
With the increasing number of people putting content online and the increase in type of content such as audio, video, photography and stories, it is important to note the ethical and privacy issues involved. It has been observed that although social media and websites have privacy and ethical considerations, it may be that Ghanaians are not aware of these considerations or, although they are aware, they do not make use of them. Ethics are defined as a set of moral principles that govern an individual or a group on what is seen as acceptable behavior. (Merriam Webster Inc.) Computer ethics is a set
of moral principles that govern the usage of computers. One of the common issues of computer ethics is violation of copyright issues. Duplicating copyrighted content without the author’s approval, or accessing the personal information of others are some of examples of the violation of ethical principles.
