Title: Big data: ethical issues

Authors: Loay A. Alnaji; Shorouq F. Eletter; Ghaleb A. El Refae

Addresses: Department of Computer Science, Moorpark College, Moorpark, CA, USA ' Management and MIS Department, College of Business, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates ' Accounting and Finance and Banking Department, College of Business, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Abstract: The internet played a heroic role in the information revolution by bringing with it a greater scope of change, not only technologically, but societally as well. Convergence of computers and communications and what they do with information has changed our lives. Dependence on data has increased dramatically in the past decade, whether data are used by governments to monitor terrorism or by businesses to survive in the market or provide a competitive advantage. But with such powerful tools comes many responsibilities. This paper explores the ethical ramifications of using big data to conduct business or any other type of activity. We explore the various rules and regulations companies and governments place to help gauge the use of such powerful tools. This paper aims to answer the following question: What are the ethical issues facing businesses and customers when using big data?

Keywords: big data; ethics; surveillance; data security; identity.

DOI: 10.1504/GBER.2019.096859

Global Business and Economics Review, 2019 Vol.21 No.1, pp.69 - 77

Received: 23 Mar 2017
Accepted: 25 Aug 2017
Published online: 12 Dec 2018 *

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