1. Internet Research
Law and Ethics

2. Consider the Law
Legal and ethical issues help us broaden considerably our study of Internet research.
Even relatively skilled researchers fail to consider the legal and ethical dimensions of giving and receiving information on the Internet.

3. Top 20 Issues
Completely unexpected topics, such as identity fraud and workplace privacy, became central issues with the rise of the Internet
Issues with legal precedents well established, such as copyright, got turned upside down by the Internet

4. Issues of control
To what extent should governments limit what is posted on the Internet? The question raises issues around:
censorship
library filters
hate groups online
restricting obscenity & pornography
libel and service providers

5. Issues of privacy
Do we have to give up our privacy if we want to use the Internet? Issues include:
government surveillance
online medical records
identity fraud
confidentiality
workplace privacy

6. Issues of access
Technology has become crucial to society. Do all groups have access? Issues include:
Does the “digital divide” exist?
How is usage for people with disabilities?
Will the move to electronic commerce leave out some groups?
Do men and woman use the Internet in different ways?
Are educational opportunities fair?

7. Issues of intellectual property
Does the world need a new notion of intellectual property in a digital age? Issues include:
copyright
fair use
plagiarism
Napster
sharing digital files

8. Recognizing law & ethics
Often people don’t realize they are encountering legal and ethical issues online until it is too late.
Awareness is key.