Ethical Issues in Big Data Industry

Ethical Issues in Big Data Industry
Student Name
Program Name or Degree Name (e.g., Master of Science in Nursing),
COURSE XXX: Title of Course
Instructor Name
Month XX, 202X
Ethical Issues in Big Data Industry
Question 1:
Both correct and incorrect data have the potential to cause harm. Incorrect data is that whose quality is questionable, has skewed biases, and consists of errors. Using such data results in incorrect conclusions about a phenomenon, resulting in decisions shaped by wrong information. For instance, when data has biases skewed toward specific groups of people limits generalization (Martin, 2015 p.74). Policy decisions made from such generalization may exclude the needs of other groups of people. On the other hand, correct data can be harmful because they lead to the correct conclusions that can be weaponized against people. Martin (2015) argues that big data is increasingly allowing firms to influence and trigger consumption vulnerability.
Question 2:
The consumer's vulnerability is critical when focusing on the Big Data's power of the predictive algorithm. With this power in their hands, firms will be a step ahead of consumption decisions by influencing consumers personally. This, according to Martin (2015 p. 84), is what law scholar Ryan Calo described as digital market manipulation. The biggest problem with this aspect is that firms' influence on the consumer can be subtle; the consumer will not know whether they are being targeted and triggered into buying things they do not necessarily need. This can be profoundly harmful to people trying to quit substance abuse, sugary products, or junk food.
Question 3:
Further, ethical issues in Big Data should be viewed from the point of view of algorithm developers. Learned stereotypes and prejudices can manifest themselves in Big Data algorithms. According to Martin (2015), "learned prejudice builds on previously institutionalized prejudice" (p. 73). For instance, in the US, systemic racism can easily be transferred into Big Data algorithms, either consciously or su...