In the early years of computers and computer-based technology, computer engineers had to believe that their contributions to the development of computer technology would produce positive impacts on the people who used it. During the early days of computer technology, ethical issues surrounding computer technology were almost nonexistent because computers back then were not as multifaceted as they are today. However, ethical issues related to computer technology and information technology are undeniable in today's society. Information technology plays a crucial role in all aspects of our daily lives. Different forms of computer technology provide unique capabilities that allow people to carry out daily tasks effectively and efficiently. In modern society, we use computers and information technology to communicate with friends and family via social networking sites, participate in business transactions, and receive current news. Different tasks require unique technological features in computing technology to function properly. While unique technological features increase people's proficiency in performing various tasks, unique technological features in computer and information technology increase security vulnerabilities. In many cases, security vulnerabilities in information technology are exploited by cybercriminals to invade people's privacy and steal their identity. We know that computers don't have a moral compass; they cannot make moral decisions for themselves. In essence, people make moral decisions that affect others positively or negatively depending on how they use information technology. Some of the biggest ethical issues people face in the computing environment include web privacy issues and identity theft. Privacy concerns... middle of paper... computer technology has its roots in the general ethical issues that people in society deal with. For example, ethical issues such as invasion of privacy, theft, and fraud have existed since humans began interacting with each other. The fact is that elements of these ethical issues are not unique to computing or information technology. These current technologies raise the same ethical dilemmas with conditions that are unique to computer and information technology. This explains why general ethical issues such as privacy, theft, and fraud are reviewed as information privacy, identity theft, and computer fraud in information technology. Work Cited Tavani, Herman T. “Chapter 4: Professional Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct.” Ethics and technology: Controversies, questions, and strategies for ethical computing. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2010. Print.