Information Compilation and Disbursement: Moral, Legal and Ethical Considerations

The widespread collection of data about individuals is increasing at dramatic rates as more and more organizations increase their desire for information in order to develop new markets for products, gain a competitive edge, or to expand their operations. The paramount concern today is not focused entirely on halting data collection but is primarily concerned with the disbursement and use of information. Information and activity are being monitored and sold to marketers, credit bureaus, insurance companies and government agencies, for their specific use. The misuse of this information and the concern for invasion of an individual′s privacy are issues that are not being fully addressed and controlled. Legislation to monitor this information transfer is lagging far behind the rapid growth and disbursement of technology. Measures must be instituted to regulate this activity so that information is used for its intended, acceptable purpose and not freely distributed.