Ethics in Technology Challenges: The Edward Snowden’s Case and Privacy Perspectives

Marianne A. Azer ()
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Marianne A. Azer: National Telecommunication Institute, Computers and Systems Department

A chapter in Dynamics of Disasters, 2026, pp 143-161 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Information technology ethics play a pivotal role in shaping the ethical landscape of modern society, influencing how technology is developed, deployed, and used. Ethical considerations in information technology encompass various principles such as transparency, accountability, privacy, and fairness, all of which are crucial for fostering trust, integrity, and responsible innovation. This paper delves into the ethical dimensions of information technology, with a focus on a prominent case study: Edward Snowden’s disclosure of classified National Security Agency (NSA) documents. Snowden’s revelations brought to light the extent of government surveillance programs, raising profound ethical questions about privacy, surveillance, and individual rights in the digital age. This paper explores the ethical implications surrounding Edward Snowden’s disclosure of classified government surveillance programs. It applies an ethical decision-making process to analyze Snowden’s actions, assessing the ethical considerations. In addition, an ethical evaluation of Snowden’s decisions is presented, shedding light on the ethical dilemmas inherent in whistleblowing and transparency. The paper then undertakes a comparative analysis of user privacy dilemmas, contrasting the Apple-FBI dispute, Snowden’s leaks, and the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Through this comprehensive examination, the paper aims to deepen understanding of the ethical complexities arising from advancements in technology. It concludes with reflections on the broader implications of these cases and outlines directions for future research.

Keywords: Accountability; Apple-FBI; Cambridge analytica; Decision making; Edward snowden; Ethical considerations; Information privacy; Information technology ethics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-08606-8_10

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