Introduction
Human beings live in an information age where economies are based on the digitization and computerization of information, a paradigm shift from the earlier systems brought about by the industrial revolution. Even in the information age, ethics is of paramount importance especially in the use of digital information in the governance process. The case under scrutiny involves ethical issues arising from a consolidation exercise that saw the unification of citizen’s records at the London Borough of Bren.
Potential ethical issues
There are potential issues following the consolidation of citizen records in the London Borough of Bren. These issues present imminent harm to the citizen and infringement into the rights and freedoms of citizens. One of the potential ethical issues that may arise from the consolidation of citizen records is the misuse of data. Previously, the data was not complete as various fields of the same data were contained in different databases in various divisions. However, after the unification of the citizen records, individual data is now complete and all the fields have been brought under one entry.
As espoused in the case, the unification of the records has promoted increased sharing of information within the council (Hodson, 2011). The information is also available to officers of the council. For instance, the case informs us that noise control officers have access to the information before going to carry out interventions. As such, there is potential for misuse of the information for purposes that are not duty related. This is also compounded by the fact that the council has not resolved all issues that are related to the data governance processes.
Another potential ethics issues relating to the consolidation of citizen records is the access and control of data. Data management is of paramount in the information age. It is important t avoid abuse of information and computer fraud. Individuals who have access to information need to be accountable. According to Dhillon (2002) often-perplexing ethical issues arise due to increased access and lack of control of information systems. Some of these issues include setting standards that are required to safeguard the quality of the system, establishing accountability for any consequences that may arise from the use of an information system, preservation of values and ensuring the security of individuals and the society at large.
Had this issue occurred in the United States of America, there would have been some differences in ethical issues. Consolidation of data would have made it easy for corporate graft. Initially, information was stored in twelve databases in various divisions. However, due to the consolidation, unscrupulous individuals with selfish desires can access information from the database and use such information o the detriment of the society. Additionally, with the consolidation of resident records, it will be easier to track and catch criminals. Previously, it was hard because of the outdated nature of the database. However, with the new-look database, law enforcement agencies would utilize the information to fight crime.
Finally, with the self-harmonizing database, cases of information doctoring would be easily identified. Previously, individuals were set to not only clean but also update the old database. This was prone to human error, malicious or otherwise. However, with the self-harmonizing nature of the database, such instances of malicious change of information would be easily identified and responsible persons brought to justice (Hodson, 2011).
Conclusion
In this information age we live in, local governance has a lot to do with management of information. There are ethical principles that govern the management of data all for safety of individuals and the entire society. It is our ethical obligation to abide by these principles.
References
Dhillon, G. (2002). Social responsibility in the information age: Issues and controversies. Hershey, PA: IRM Press.
Hodson, H. (2011). Local governance. Available at:> http://www.information-age.com/ technology/information-management/1666438/local-governance
