1. Proposed Title of Research.
Ethical Implications of Big Data
2. Background to the Topic (context) / Review of Literature
The ethical implications of using Big Data, i.e., handling and utilizing personal information collected through various means, is a far-reaching subject matter. This includes traditional data like collected through financial transactions or social network interactions (Arthur, 2013). Therefore, the ethical implications of the use of this data are relevant in how businesses collect and then transmit such information.
As the kinds of information continue to grow, ethical guidelines will need to be instituted to provide for a greater level of protection for individuals whose data might be targeted. For this reason, various government agencies are creating boards whose directives are to develop these guidelines to figure out a better way for companies to collect and use Big Data (Metcalf, Keller, & Boyd, 2016). It is important to remember that improvements in technology and the availability of this technological advancement, are the primary reasons this entire paradigm has become so important.
3. Research Question, Aim and Objectives
The most pertinent issue and question to resolve is centered on how can businesses use information for their benefit but not impose harm on the people on whom the data is based. This is obviously a tricky situation for any company to be in; the desire and motivation to increase profits is important to all corporate entities, that condition should never override the privacy of common citizens. Thus, discovering and creating ways for companies to collect Big Data and then use it ethically can enable both sides of the issue to have guidelines to follow for all those involved.
5. Proposed research strategy/methodology:
Secondary research will be used as the strategy employed by this research to develop a critical analysis and it will focus on how to best collect needed information without infringing individuals' privacy and how to most ethically use that information at a corporate level. This will be pertinent in understanding how to improve the relationship between business and the public regarding the impacts of Big Data.