IT & Ethics Global Debate

Last week De Montfort University's ground breaking Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR) co-hosted ETHICOMP96 in Madrid. This was in conjunction with the Pontifical University of Salamanca, one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. There were over 350 participants representing 20 countries and six continents.

Many of the leading authorities were at the conference including Professor James Moor from Dartmouth College, one of the Ivy League universities in the USA, who gave the international address entitled "Reason, Relativity and Responsibility in Computer Ethics". There was a wide range of topics covered by over 50 speakers, including ethical consideration in the planning and implementation of computer systems, privacy and security of information and the ethics of telecommuting. Australian Emma Rooksby explained how the Internet might have a some sort soul. while South African Melius Weideman discussed the motivations of those who develop and distribute computer viruses.

Simon Rogerson, director of CCSR explained that "The Ethicomp series was conceived to provide a European focus for debating ethical and societal issues associated with information technology usage. This conference with its interdisciplinary flavour has certainly moved that debate forward". It is planned to hold the next Ethicomp conference in spring 1998 at the Erasmus University in the Netherlands.

CCSR is happy to discuss and collaborate with those interested in the sensitive use of information technology. Please contact either Simon Rogerson on 0116 257 7475 or Ben Fairweather.