Chapter 11- Societal Impact
11.1 Introduction
In recent years, the world around us has seen a lot of changes due to use of ‘Digital Technologies’.
Today, one can send and receive emails to more than one person at a time. The instantaneous nature
of electronic communications h as made us more efficient and productive. From the banking industry
to aviation, industrial production to e-commerce, especially with regard to the delivery of their goods
and services, all are now dependent on the use of computers and digital technologies.
Today more and more people are using digital technologies through smartphones, computers, etc.,
with the help of high speed Internet.
Let’s look at the impact of these technologies on our society and the best practices that can ensure a
productive and safe digital environment for us.
11.2 Digital Footprints
Whenever we surf the Internet using smartphones, tablets, computers, etc., we leave a trail of data
reflecting the activities performed by us online, which is our digital footprint.
Our digital footprint can be created and used with or without our knowledge. It includes websites we
visit, emails we send, and any information we submit online, etc., along with the computer’s IP
address, location, and other device specific details. Such data could be used for targeted advertisement
or could also be misused or exploited.
There are two kinds of digital footprints we leave behind. Active digital footprints which includes data
that we intentionally submit online. This would include emails we write, or responses or posts we make
on different websites or mobile Apps, etc. The digital data trail we leave online unintentionally is called
passive digital footprints. This includes the data generated when we visit a website, use a mobile App,
browse Internet, etc., as shown in Figure 11.1.
Everyone who is connected to the Internet may have a digital footprint. On examining the browser
settings, we can find out how it stores our browsing history, cookies, passwords, auto fills, and many
other types of data.
Cookies – a small file stored on user’s computer(browser) created and read by a website server. Eg:
login credentials, web preferences.
Besides browser, most of our digital footprints are stored in servers where the applications are
hosted. We may not have access to remove or erase that data, neither do we have any control on
how that data will be used.
There is no guarantee that digital footprints will be fully eliminated from the Internet. Therefore, we
need to be more cautious while being online! All our online activities leave a data trace on the
Internet as well as on the computing device that we use. This can be used to trace the user, his/her
location, device and other usage details.
11.3 Digital Society and Netizen:
In this era of digital society, our daily activities like communication, social networking,
banking, shopping, entertainment, education, transportation, etc., are increasingly being
driven by online transactions.
But while online, all of us need to be aware of how to conduct ourselves, how best to relate
with others and what ethics, morals and values to maintain. Anyone who uses digital
technology along with Internet is a digital citizen or a netizen. Being a good netizen means
practicing safe, ethical and legal use of digital technology. A responsible netizen must abide
by net etiquettes, communication etiquettes and social media etiquettes.
11.3.1 Net Etiquettes(The rules of polite and correct behaviour)
We follow certain etiquettes during our social interactions. Similarly, we need to exhibit proper
manners and etiquettes while being online as shown in Figure 11.2. One should be ethical,
respectful and responsible while surfing the Internet.
(A) Be Ethical
• No copyright violation: we should not use copyrighted materials without the
permission of the creator or owner. As an ethical digital citizen, we need to be careful
while streaming audio or video or downloading images and files from the Internet.
(B) Share the expertise: it is good to share information and knowledge on Internet so that
others can access it. However, prior to sharing information, we need to be sure that
we have sufficient knowledge on that topic. The information shared should be true
and unambiguous. Eg: stack overflow, Quora
(C) Be Respectful
Respect privacy:
Our personal communication with a digital citizen may include images, documents,
files, etc., that are private to both. We should respect this privacy and should not share
those images, documents, files, etc., with any other digital citizen without each others’
consent.
• Respect diversity: in a group or public forum, we should respect the diversity of the
people in terms of knowledge, experience, culture and other aspects.
(D) Be Responsible
• Avoid cyber bullying: any insulting, degrading or intimidating (to frighten or threaten
somebody in order to make him/her do something)online behaviour like repeated posting
of rumours, giving threats online, posting the victim’s personal information, sexual
harassment or comments aimed to publicly ridicule(mock or make fun of them) a victim is
termed as cyber bullying. It implies repeatedly targeting someone with intentions to hurt
or embarrass.(to make somebody feel uncomfortable)
We need to realise that bullying online can have very serious implications on the other
person (victim).
Don’t feed the troll: an Internet troll is a person who deliberately sows discord(argument)
on the Internet by starting quarrels or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory or off
topic messages in an online community, just for amusement. Since trolls thrive on
attention, the best way to discourage trolls is not to pay any attention to their comments.
11.3.2 Communication Etiquettes
Digital communication includes email, texting, instant messaging, talking on the cell
phone, audio or video conferencing, posting on forums, social networking sites, etc. All
these are great ways to connect with people in order to exchange ideas, share data and
knowledge. Good communication over email, chat room and other such forums require a
digital citizen to abide by the communication etiquettes as shown in Figure 11.3.
(A) Be Precise
• Respect time: we should not waste precious time in responding to unnecessary
emails or comments unless they have some relevance for us. Also, we should not
always expect an instant response as the recipient may have other priorities.
Respect Data Limits :For concerns related to data and bandwidth, very large
attachments may be avoided. Rather send compressed files or link of the files through
cloud shared storage like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Yahoo Dropbox, etc.
(B) Be Polite Whether the communication is synchronous (happening in real time like
chat, audio/video calls) or asynchronous (like email, forum post or comments), we
should be polite and non-aggressive in our communication. We should avoid being
abusive even if we don’t agree with others’ point of view.
(C) Be Credible We should be cautious while making a comment, replying or writing an
email or forum post as such acts decide our credibility over a period of time.
On various discussion forums, we usually try to go through the previous comments of
a person and judge their credibility before relying on that person’s comments.
11.3.3 Social Media Etiquettes
In the current digital era, we are familiar with different kinds social media and we may have
an account on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or the YouTube channel.
Social media are websites or applications that enable their users to participate in social
networking by creating and sharing content with others in the community. These platforms
encourage users to share their thoughts and experiences through posts or pictures. In this way
users can interact with other online users of those social media apps or channels.
It has begun to shape the outcome of politics, business, culture, education and more. In social
media too, there are certain etiquettes we need to follow as shown in Figure 11.4.
(A) Be Secure:
Choose password wisely: The minimum one can do is to have strong and frequently
changed password. Never share personal credentials like username and password with
others.
Know who you befriend: social networks usually encourage connecting with users
(making friends), sometime even those whom we don’t know or have not met. we
need to be careful while befriending unknown people as their intentions possibly could
be malicious and unsafe.
Beware of fake information: fake news, messages and posts are common in social
networks. As a user, we should be aware of them. With experience, we should be able
to figure out whether a news, message or post is genuine or fake.
(B) Be Reliable
• Think before uploading: we can upload almost anything on social network. However,
remember that once uploaded, it is always there in the remote server even if we delete
the files. Hence we need to be cautious while uploading or sending sensitive or
confidential files which have a bearing on our privacy.
11.4 Data Protection
Elements of data that can cause substantial harm, embarrassment, inconvenience
and unfairness to an individual, if breached or compromised, is called sensitive data.
Examples of sensitive data include biometric information, health information, financial
information, or other personal documents, images or audios or videos. Privacy of sensitive
data can be implemented by encryption, authentication, and other secure methods to ensure
that such data is accessible only to the authorised user and is for a legitimate purpose.
All over the world, each country has its own data protection policies (laws). These
policies are legal documents that provide guidelines to the user on processing, storage and
transmission of sensitive information. The motive behind implementation of these policies is
to ensure that sensitive information is appropriately protected from modification or
disclosure.
11.4.1 Intellectual Property Right (IPR)
If someone comes out with a new idea, this original idea is that person’s intellectual
property. Intellectual Property refers to the inventions, literary and artistic expressions,
designs and symbols, names and logos. The ownership of such concepts lies with the creator,
or the holder of the intellectual property. This enables the creator or copyright owner to earn
recognition or f inancial benefit by using their creation or invention. Intellectual Property is
legally protected through copyrights, patents, trademarks,etc.
(A)Copyright
Copyright grants legal rights to creators for their original works like writing,
photograph, audio recordings, video, sculptures, architectural works, computer
software, and other creative works like literary and artistic work.
Copyrights are automatically granted to creators and authors. Copyright law gives the
copyright holder a set of rights that they alone can avail legally. The rights include right
to copy (reproduce) a work, right to create derivative works based upon it, right to
distribute copies of the work to the public, and right to publicly display or perform the
work. It prevents others from copying, using or selling the work.
To use other’s copyrighted material, one needs to obtain a license from them.
(B)Patent
A patent is usually granted for inventions. Unlike copyright, the inventor needs to apply
(file) for patenting the invention. When a patent is granted, the owner gets an exclusive
right to prevent others from using, selling, or distributing the protected invention.
Patent gives full control to the patentee to decide whether or how the invention can
be used by others. Thus it encourages inventors to share their scientific or
technological findings with others. A patent protects an invention for 20 years, after
which it can be freely used.
(c) Trademark
Trademark includes any visual symbol, word, name, design, slogan, label, etc., that
distinguishes the brand or commercial enterprise, from other brands or commercial
enterprises. For example, no company other than Nike can use the Nike brand to sell shoes or
clothes.
For example, confusing brands like “Nikke” cannot be used. However, it may be possible to
apply for the Nike trademark for unrelated goods like notebooks.
11.4.2 Violation of IPR
Violation of intellectual property right may happen in one of the following ways:
(A) Plagiarism
With the availability of Internet, we can instantly copy or share text, pictures and videos.
Presenting someone else’s idea or work as one’s own idea or work is called plagiarism. If we
copy some contents from Internet, but do not mention the source or the original creator, then
it is considered as an act of plagiarism. Further, if someone derives an idea or a product from
an already existing idea or product, but instead presents it a new idea, then also it is
plagiarism.
Even if we take contents that are open for public use, we should cite the author or source to
avoid plagiarism.
(B) Copyright Infringement(Infringement - an action that breaks a rule , law)
Copyright infringement is when we use other person’s work without obtaining their
permission to use or we have not paid for it, if it is being sold. Suppose we download
an image from the Internet and use it in our project. But if the owner of the copyright
of the image does not permit its free usage, then using such an image even after giving
reference of the image in our project is a violation of copyright.
(C) Trademark Infringement
Trademark Infringement means unauthorised use of other’s trademark on products
and services. An owner of a trademark may commence legal proceedings against
someone who infringes its registered trademark.
11.4.3 Public Access and Open Source Software
When authors share their copyrighted works with others under public license, it allows
others to use and even modify the content. Open source licenses help others to contribute to
existing work or project without seeking special individual permission to do so.
GNU stands for GNU’s NOT UNIX. It is a Unix-like operating system and is free software.
The GNU General public license (GPL) and the Creative Commons (CC) are two
popular categories of public licenses. CC is used for all kind of creative works like websites,
music, film, literature, etc. CC enables the free distribution of an otherwise copyrighted work.
It is used when an author wants to give people the right to share, use and build upon a work
that they have created. GPL is primarily designed for providing public licence to a software.
GNU GPL is another free software license, which provides end users the freedom to run, study,
share and modify the software, besides getting regular updates.
Users or companies who distribute GPL license works may charge a fee for copies or
give them free of charge. This distinguishes the GPL license from freeware software licenses
like Skype, Adobe Acrobat reader, etc. that allow copying for personal use but prohibit
commercial distribution, or proprietary licenses where copying is prohibited by copyright law.
Many of the proprietary software that we use are sold commercially and their program
code (source code) are not shared or distributed. Free and open source software (FOSS) has
a large community of users and developers who are contributing continuously towards
adding new features or improving the existing features. For example, Linux kernel-based
operating systems like Ubuntu and Fedora come under FOSS. Some of the popular FOSS tools
are office packages, like Libre Office, browser like Mozilla Firefox, etc.
Software piracy is the unauthorised use or distribution of software. Those who
purchase a license for a copy of the software do not have the rights to make additional copies
without the permission of the copyright owner. Using a pirated software not only degrades
the performance of a computer system, but also affects the software industry which in turn
affects the economy of a country.
11.5 Cyber crime
Criminal activities or offences carried out in a digital environment can be considered as cyber
crime. In such crimes, either the computer itself is the target or the computer is used as a tool
to commit a crime. Cyber crimes are carried out against either an individual, or a group, or an
organisation or even against a country, with the intent to directly or indirectly cause physical
harm, financial loss or mental harassment. A cyber criminal attacks a computer or a network
to reach other computers in order to disable or damage data or services.
A computer virus is some lines of malicious code that can copy itself and can have detrimental
effect on the computers, by destroying data or corrupting the system. Similarly, malware is a
software designed to specifically gain unauthorised access to computer systems. The nature
of criminal activities are alarmingly increasing day-by-day, with frequent reports of hacking,
ransomware attacks, denial-of-service, phishing, email fraud, banking fraud and identity theft.
11.5.1 Hacking
Hacking is the act of unauthorised access to a computer, computer network or any digital
system.
Hacking, when done with a positive intent, is called ethical hacking. Such ethical hackers are
known as white hat hackers.
An ethical hacker may exploit a website in order to discover its security loopholes or
vulnerabilities. He then reports his findings to the website owner. Thus, ethical hacking is
actually preparing the owner against any cyber attack.
A non-ethical hacker is the one who tries to gain unauthorised access to computers or
networks in order to steal sensitive data with the intent to damage or bring down systems.
They are called black hat hackers or crackers. Their primary focus is on security cracking and
data stealing. Such hackers try to break through system securities for identity theft, monetary
gain, to bring a competitor or rival site down, to leak sensitive information, etc.
11.5.2 Phishing and Fraud Emails
Phishing is an unlawful activity where fake websites or emails that look original or authentic
are presented to the user to fraudulently collect sensitive and personal details, particularly
usernames, passwords, banking and credit card details.
So you might get an email from an address that looks similar to your bank or educational
institution, asking for your information, but if you look carefully you will see their URL address
is fake. Phishing a ttempts through phone calls or text messages are also common these days.
(A)Identity Theft
Identity thieves increasingly use personal information stolen from computers or
computer networks.
A user’s identifiable personal data like demographic details, email ID, banking
credentials, passport, PAN, Aadhaar number and various such personal data are stolen
and misused by the hacker on behalf of the victim. This is one type of phishing attack
where the intention is largely for monetary gain. There can be many ways in which the
criminal takes advantage of an individual’s stolen identity. Given below are a few
examples:
• Financial identity theft: when the stolen identity is used for financial gain.
• Criminal identity theft: criminals use a victim’s stolen identity to avoid detection of
their true identity.
• Medical identity theft: criminals can seek medical drugs or treatment using a stolen
identity.
11.5.3 Ransomware
This is another kind of cyber crime where the attacker gains access to the computer and blocks
the user from accessing, usually by encrypting the data.
Ransomware can get downloaded when the users visit any malicious or unsecure websites or
download software from doubtful repositories. Some ransomware are sent as email
attachments in spam mails. It can also reach our system when we click on a malicious
advertisement on the Internet.
11.5.4 Combatting(to try to stop or to fight against something) and Preventing Cyber Crime
The challenges of cyber crime can be mitigated with the twin approach of being alert and
taking legal help. Following points can be considered as safety measures to reduce the risk of
cyber crime:
• Take regular backup of important data • Use an antivirus software and keep it updated
always
• Avoid installing pirated software. Always download software from known and secure
(HTTPS) sites
• Always update the system software which include the Internet browser and other
application software
• Do not visit or download anything from untrusted websites
• Usually the browser alerts users about doubtful websites whose security certificate could
not be verified; avoid visiting such sites
• Use strong password for web login, and change it periodically. Do not use same password
for all the websites. Use different combinations of alphanumeric characters including special
characters. Ignore common words or names in password
• While using someone else’s computer, don’t allow browser to save password or auto fill
data, and try to browse in your private browser window.
• For an unknown site, do not agree to use cookies when asked for, through a Yes/No
option.
• Perform online transaction like shopping, ticketing, and other such services only through
well-known and secure sites
• Always secure wireless network at home with strong password and regularly change it.
11.6 Indian Information technology act (IT act)
(amended – changed or modified to make a correction or improvement)
The Government of India’s Information Technology Act, 2000 (also known as IT Act), amended
in 2008, provides guidelines to the user on the processing, storage and transmission of
sensitive information. In many Indian states, there are cyber cells in police stations where one
can report any cyber crime. The act provides legal framework for electronic governance by
giving recognition to electronic records and digital signatures. The act outlines cyber crimes
and penalties for them.
Cyber Appellate Tribunal(The first and the only Cyber Appellate Tribunal in the country has
been established by the Central Government in accordance with the provisions contained
under Section 48(1) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.) has been established to resolve
disputes arising from cyber crime, such as tampering with computer source documents,
hacking the computer system, using password of another person, publishing sensitive
personal data of others without their consent, etc. The act is needed so that people can
perform transactions over the Internet through credit cards without fear of misuse. Not only
people, the act empowers government departments also to accept filing, creation and storage
of official documents in the digital format.
11.7 Impact on health
As digital technologies have penetrated into different fields, we are spending more time in
front of screens, be it mobile, laptop, desktop, television, gaming console, music or sound
device. But interacting in an improper posture can be bad for us — both physically, and
mentally. Besides, spending too much time on Internet can be addictive and can have a
negative impact on our physical and psychological well being.
Ergonomics is a branch of science that deals with designing or arranging workplaces including
the furniture, equipments and systems so that it becomes safe and comfortable for the user.
Ergonomics helps us in reducing the strain on our bodies — including the fatigue and injuries
due to prolonged use.
When we continuously look at the screen for watching, typing, chatting or playing games, our
eyes are continuously exposed to the glare coming from the screens.
Eye strain is a symptom commonly complained by users of digital devices.
Figure 11.5 shows the posture to be maintained in order to avoid fatigue caused due to
prolonged use of computer system and other digital devices. However, to get rid of dry,
watering, or itchy eyes, it is better to periodically focus on distant objects, and take a break
for outdoor activities.
Bad posture, backaches, neck and shoulder pains can be prevented by arranging the
workspace as recommended by ergonomics. Overuse of keyboards (be it physical keyboard or
touchscreen-based virtual keyboard) not aligned ergonomically, can give rise to a painful
condition of wrists and fingers, and may require medical help in the long run.
Stress, physical fatigue and obesity are the other related impacts the body may face if one
spends too much time using digital devices.