Guiding responsibility in (mis)information era

According to a media report, losses due to online scams in Sarawak nearly doubled in the first seven months of 2023. In 2022, Sarawakians lost more than RM125 million, which was less than half the total amount of money lost to scams nationwide.

As a teacher of a course on Ethics and Professionalism for undergraduate computer science students over the past few years, we have explored prevailing issues such as online crimes, disinformation, and misinformation.

One question we seek to uncover is where responsibility lies.

The course begins with the Greek mythological story of Icarus and Daedalus. Imprisoned with his son Icarus in a tower, Daedalus crafted wings out of feathers and wax to escape. He warned Icarus not to fly too close to the sun, fearing the wax would melt. Ignoring his father’s advice, Icarus soared into the sky, and his wings disintegrated, leading to his downfall.

This ancient Greek tale serves as a metaphor for the challenges faced by users of technology and computer science students today, who are caught between technological prowess and ethical dilemmas. Following this narrative, students are prompted to reflect on the burden of responsibility for Icarus’s tragic death. As most students place blame on Icarus, who was “informed” of the risks, parallels arise in our digital landscape. In navigating the challenges of misinformation and online scams, we question whether users, equipped with information, are truly blameless victims, or if responsibility should be shared between the legal system, informed citizens, and Big Tech’s need for self-regulation.

In a world saturated with information campaigns, it’s clear that merely informing users is insufficient for behavioural change. Knowledge doesn’t always translate into improved behaviour, as seen in behaviours like texting while driving despite awareness of the risks.

To combat online scams, cybercrimes, and misinformation, I propose reflections in three main points.

Firstly, it is crucial to scrutinise the intricate dynamics that shape user behaviour in the digital age. Awareness, developing critical thinking, and teaching users to take a “moment of pause” before making decisions can be effective mitigation tools.

Users, akin to Icarus, must navigate the vast expanse of the internet with caution and discernment. Cyber hygiene and fostering critical thinking empower users to distinguish between credible information and the siren calls of misinformation and online scams. However, knowledge and awareness alone are not the answer, as evidenced by the background of the victims. According to Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, victims of online scams and fraud include educated and professional individuals.

Secondly, Big Tech companies must be transparent and systematic in combating misinformation and online scams that endanger societal harmony. Section 230 of the U.S. Communications Decency Act of 1996 provides immunity to online platforms from civil liabilities based on third-party content. Although Section 230 does not prohibit platforms from moderating harmful content, its complexity is underscored by Mark Zuckerberg’s acknowledgment that regulating digital content is a challenge too immense for social media platforms alone.

Thirdly, responsibility does not rest solely on users and online platforms. Government support is crucial to safeguard the public and shield online platforms from their own tendencies to spread harmful content for profit. Robust legal frameworks are needed to protect citizens in digital spaces, compel significant efforts from Big Tech companies in self-regulation, and empower regulators to punish non-compliance with substantial fines.

In conclusion, the ethics and professionalism demanded of computer science students, akin to the saga of Daedalus and Icarus, require nuanced solutions. The complexities of the digital era necessitate a multifaceted approach involving legal frameworks, user education, and platform accountability. As we navigate this ethical labyrinth, let us strive for an equilibrium where innovation flourishes responsibly, and the wings of technological progress carry us to new heights without the perilous descent into ethical compromise.