Topic 6 – Unit 1 - ICT-IAL Topic 6: Wider issues

6.1 Environmental
6.1.1 Understand the environmental impact of construction, use and disposal
of information technology equipment.
Information/services Impacts
• Improves access • Up-to-date info • 24/7 availability
Employment Impacts
• Need learn new skills • New job opportunities • Job losses
• Changing working practices
Collaborative work - Real time connect - Finish work quicker
Flexible work - Suit employee needs
Social Impacts
• Social interaction - Damage empathy
• Cyberbullying - Info spread quickly
• Lack of physical activity
- Access = no need travel - Negative health/wellbeing
Teleworking / Homeworking
• Pros - Extended/Flexible working hrs
- Less traveling save money/time - Reduce traffic/pollution
• Cons - Distracted at home - Lack social interaction

The environmental impact of information technology (IT) equipment includes:

Resource extraction and manufacturing: Extracting and processing raw materials for
IT equipment has significant environmental impact, including air and water pollution,
land degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy consumption: The production, use, and disposal of IT equipment requires a
lot of energy, leading to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental
impacts.
E-waste: Discarded IT equipment is a growing source of e-waste, which can contain
toxic materials and contribute to environmental pollution if not properly disposed of.
Data centers: The energy consumption of data centers contributes to greenhouse
gas emissions, and their cooling systems have a significant environmental impact.
Transport: Shipping IT equipment across the globe contributes to greenhouse gas
emissions, air pollution, and water pollution.
It is important to adopt sustainable practices in the production, use, and disposal of
IT equipment to minimize its environmental impact.
Simple Definitions to cover

 Carbon footprint

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (primarily carbon dioxide)
emitted into the atmosphere as a result of an activity or group of activities, expressed
as equivalent units of carbon dioxide (CO2e). The carbon footprint of an individual or
organization can be calculated by taking into account the emissions resulting from
their energy use, transportation, food, waste, and other activities. Understanding and
reducing one's carbon footprint is important for mitigating the impacts of climate
change.
 Raw material extraction and processing
Raw material extraction and processing refers to the activities involved in obtaining
and preparing raw materials for the manufacture of products, including information
technology (IT) equipment. Resource depletion, Water pollution, Air pollution, Land
degradation, Greenhouse gas emissions
 Water requirements
 Power requirements and sources
 Transport
 Disposal of toxic waste
 Consumables
 Batteries
Positive Impacts
 Carbon footprint of books, newspapers
 Reduction transfer of paper between locations
 Automation efficiencies over manual procedures

6.1.2 Understand the positive impact that information technology makes to

environmental monitoring (including smart houses and smart cities) and
efficient use of resource
Positive Impacts
• Access to global markets - Ad/sell
• Access to global workforce - Labor cheaper
• How info managed/used - Use big data understand customer behavior
Negative Impact
• Security Issues - Confidential data more vulnerable
• Greater Competition
 A smart city is an urban area that leverages technology and data to improve the
quality of life for its citizens, enhance sustainability and streamline urban services.
This includes using IoT devices, data analytics, and other digital solutions to manage
urban systems such as transportation, energy, waste management, public safety and
more. The aim is to create efficient, responsive, and resilient cities that can provide
better living standards to citizens.
A smart home is a dwelling equipped with technology that allows for remote
monitoring, control, and automation of various household systems and appliances.
This includes devices such as smart lights, thermostats, security systems,
appliances, and entertainment systems that can be controlled from a central hub,
smartphone, or voice assistant. The goal of a smart home is to make daily tasks
easier, increase energy efficiency, and provide enhanced security and comfort for
homeowners.
Zigbee and Z-Wave are two of the most common home automation communications
protocols in use today. Both use mesh network technologies, short-range, low-power
radio signals to connect smart home systems. Though both target the same smart
home applications, Z-Wave has a range of 30 meters to Zigbee's 10 meters, with
Zigbee often perceived as the more complex of the two. Zigbee chips are available
from multiple companies, while Z-Wave chips are only available from Sigma
Designs.

A smart home is not a collection of disparate smart devices and appliances, but ones
that work together to create a remotely controllable network. All devices are
controlled by a master home automation controller, often called a smart home hub.
The smart home hub is a hardware device that acts as the central point of the smart
home system and is able to sense, process data and communicate wirelessly. It
combines all of the disparate apps into a single smart home app that can be
controlled remotely by homeowners. Examples of smart home hubs include Amazon
Echo, Google Home, Insteon Hub Pro, Samsung SmartThings and Wink Hub.
 Emissions monitoring
Emissions monitoring is the process of measuring and tracking emissions from
sources such as factories, vehicles, and power plants to ensure compliance with
environmental regulations and to track progress towards reducing emissions.
Information technology has had a positive impact on emissions monitoring in several
ways:
Improved accuracy: IT helps gather, store, process and analyze emission data with
higher accuracy, reducing errors and increasing the reliability of the data.
Real-time monitoring: IT enables real-time monitoring of emissions, allowing for
quicker response to potential problems.
Remote monitoring: IT enables remote monitoring of emissions without human
intervention, reducing the need for physical access and minimizing human impact on
the environment.
Predictive analytics: IT can be used to analyze vast amounts of data to identify
patterns and make predictions about future emissions trends.
Cost-effectiveness: IT solutions can be more cost-effective than traditional
monitoring methods, reducing costs and increasing the amount of data that can be
gathered.
Increased coverage: IT can enable monitoring of emissions from a larger number of
sources, increasing the amount of data available for analysis and decision-making.
 Remote sensing
Remote sensing is the process of collecting data about the Earth's surface,
atmosphere, and oceans using sensors on satellites, aircraft, or unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs). Information technology has had a positive impact on remote
sensing in several ways:
Increased coverage: IT enables remote sensing of larger areas, increasing the
amount of data available for analysis.
Improved accuracy: IT helps process and analyze remote sensing data with higher
accuracy, reducing errors and increasing the reliability of the data.
Real-time data: IT enables real-time data collection and analysis, allowing for quicker
response to potential environmental issues.
Cost-effectiveness: IT solutions are often less expensive and more efficient than
traditional data collection methods, reducing costs and increasing the amount of data
that can be gathered.
Predictive analytics: IT can be used to analyze vast amounts of data to identify
patterns and make predictions about environmental conditions.
Integration with other data: IT enables integration of remote sensing data with other
sources of data, such as ground-based measurements and computer models, to
provide a more comprehensive understanding of environmental conditions.

 More efficient process control

 Intelligent design of products to use less material
 Improved logistics

6.2 Legal, moral and ethical

6.1.1 Understand the legal issues associated with the use of information
technology systems:
 Data Protection (Act 1998)
- Method ensuring personal data correct/not misused
- By those holding it/others who have no access right
Data protection refers to the measures and processes used to secure and protect
personal data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
Data protection is governed by a variety of laws and regulations, such as the
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union, the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the US, and similar laws in
other countries.
Data controller must ensure DPA
- Use fairly/lawfully - Used for specified purpose - Accurate
Data subject have right to DPA
- Access copy of info - Object to data processing cause damage/distress
- Claim $$$ For damage caused by break of ACT
 Copyright
- Exclusive legal right - Give to OG creator - Can't copy w/out permission
Copyright is a form of legal protection for original works of authorship, including
literary, musical, dramatic, and artistic works, and other types of creative expression.
Copyright gives the owner exclusive rights to use and control the use of the work,
including the right to make copies, distribute, display, perform, and create derivative
works.
 Computer Misuse
- UK legal Act - Preventing use of computers for crime/malicious purposes
Principles
• Unauthorised access to computer material • Unauthorised access w/ intent
commit/aid further offences. • Unauthorised modification of computer material.
Computer misuse refers to the illegal or unauthorized use of computers, computer
systems, and computer networks. Some examples of computer misuse include:
Hacking, Malware, DoS, Cybercrime.
 Intellectual Property
- Intangible creative work - Embodied in physical form
- Copyrights, trademarks, and patents
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary
and artistic works, symbols, names, images, and designs, that are legally protected
and can be traded or licensed like physical property. IP rights give creators and
owners exclusive rights to use and benefit from their creations.
There are four main types of intellectual property:
Patents: Legal protection for inventions, such as new products or processes, for a
limited period of time, typically 20 years from the date of filing.
Trademarks: Legal protection for logos, names, and other symbols used to identify
and distinguish products and services.
Copyrights: Legal protection for original works of authorship, including literary,
musical, dramatic, and artistic works.
Trade secrets: Legal protection for confidential information, such as formulas,
processes, and business strategies, that provide a competitive advantage.
6.2.2 Understand the moral and ethical issues associated with the use of
information technology systems:
Ethics are principles and values that guide behavior in professional and social
contexts. Ethics are often codified in laws, policies, and codes of conduct. Morals
refer to personal beliefs and values that guide an individual's behavior. Morals are
shaped by cultural, religious, and family influences. Ethics are more concerned with
fairness, justice, and impartiality, while morals are more focused on the individual's
personal sense of right and wrong. Ethics are often more abstract and less personal,
while morals are more concrete and subjective. Ethics are meant to apply to
everyone in a particular community, while morals are unique to each individual.
Violations of ethical principles can result in legal or professional consequences, while
violations of personal morals may have only personal consequences.
 Privacy
• Interception/reading messages • Electronic monitoring of ppl in workplace
Privacy refers to the right of individuals to control how their personal information is
collected, used, and shared. With the increasing use of information technology
systems, privacy has become a major concern as vast amounts of personal data are
collected, stored, and processed. Issues include unauthorized access to personal
data, use of personal information for commercial purposes, and government
surveillance. The lack of comprehensive privacy regulations has also contributed to
privacy concerns.
 Inclusion
• Confidential treatment of info • Accuracy of info
Inclusion refers to the creation of a diverse and inclusive environment that promotes
equal opportunities and access to resources, regardless of race, gender, age, ability,
or other personal characteristics. In the context of information technology systems,
inclusion is important because unequal access to technology can exacerbate
existing social and economic disparities and perpetuate exclusion. Inclusion efforts
aim to close the digital divide, ensure universal access to technology, and create
inclusive technology design that takes into account the needs of diverse users. This
includes initiatives such as accessible design for individuals with disabilities, digital
literacy programs for underrepresented communities, and promoting diversity in
technology-related fields.
 Civil liberties
Freedom w/out govt interference
• Freedom of
- Expression - Press - Religion
Civil liberties refer to individual freedoms guaranteed by a constitution or bill of rights.
In the context of information technology, civil liberties encompass issues such as
privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of information. The use of information
technology systems, particularly by governments, raises questions about the
balancing of civil liberties with security needs. Some concerns include government
surveillance, censorship of the internet, and access to personal data by law
enforcement and intelligence agencies. The protection of civil liberties in the digital
age requires ongoing efforts to ensure that the use of technology does not
undermine fundamental rights and freedoms.
 Access
• Need age appropriate software for students • Need increases access to internet
Access refers to the availability and capability to use information technology systems
and the resources they provide. Accessibility is an important issue because unequal
access to technology can result in a digital divide, exacerbating existing social and
economic disparities.
 Accessibility
• Enable access ppl w/disabilities/special needs - Assistive tech
Accessibility refers to the design of information technology systems, products, and
services that are usable by people with diverse abilities and disabilities. The goal of
accessibility is to ensure equal access to technology for all individuals, regardless of
their physical or cognitive abilities.
 Expression
- Ethical issues of expressing your ideas
Expression refers to the ability of individuals to freely communicate their thoughts,
opinions, and ideas through various means, including speech, writing, and other
forms of creative expression. In the context of information technology systems,
expression is important because the internet and other digital media provide new
avenues for communication and expression.
 Association
- Code of conduct/ethics
Association refers to the freedom of individuals to associate with others and form
organizations, including political and other interest groups. In the context of
information technology systems, association encompasses the ability of individuals
to connect and organize online, as well as the right to form virtual communities and
participate in online activism.
6.3 Society
6.3.1 Understand the impact of ubiquitous wireless access:
Ubiquitous wireless access refers to the widespread availability and use of wireless
networks and internet connectivity. The impact of this technology is widespread and
includes:
Increased Productivity: Wireless access enables individuals to work and
communicate from anywhere, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Improved Communication: Wireless access enables people to communicate
instantly, anywhere and anytime, leading to improved communication and
collaboration.
Enhanced Access to Information: With wireless access, people can access
information from anywhere, leading to increased knowledge and education.
Social and Economic Changes: Wireless access has also enabled new business
models, created job opportunities, and improved access to essential services such
as healthcare, education and finance, particularly in developing countries.
Challenges: At the same time, the widespread use of wireless technology also
presents new challenges, such as security and privacy concerns, network
congestion, and the need for regulatory frameworks to govern the use of wireless
access.
 Smart City
Ubiquitous wireless access has a significant impact on the development of smart
cities as it provides the necessary connectivity to support the deployment of a wide
range of IoT-based solutions.
Improved Connectivity: Wireless access enables the deployment of a wide range of
IoT devices and systems that are used to monitor and manage city operations and
services, making it easier for city authorities to collect and analyze data.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Wireless access enables the deployment of smart city
solutions that improve the quality of life for citizens. For example, it enables the
deployment of real-time traffic management systems that reduce congestion and air
pollution.
Increased Efficiency: Wireless access enables city authorities to collect and analyze
data in real-time, which they can then use to make more informed decisions and
optimize city operations. This leads to increased efficiency, lower costs, and
improved sustainability.
Improved Safety: Wireless access enables the deployment of emergency response
systems that can quickly and effectively coordinate responses to incidents, improving
safety and security for citizens.
Challenges: At the same time, the widespread use of wireless technology also
presents new challenges, such as security and privacy concerns, network
congestion, and the need for regulatory frameworks to govern the use of wireless
access.
Overall, ubiquitous wireless access is a key enabling technology for the development
of smart cities, providing the connectivity required to support the deployment of a
wide range of IoT-based solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens.
 Location awareness
Location awareness refers to a presence - technology component that provides
information about the physical location of a device to another application or user.
This term is frequently used to refer to cameras and mobile communication devices;
however, it may also be used with websites that request the zip code of a user for
delivering targeted information.
Ubiquitous wireless access has a significant impact on location awareness by
enabling the deployment of a wide range of location-based services and
applications.
Real-Time Location Tracking: Wireless access enables real-time location tracking of
people and assets, making it possible to provide more efficient and effective
services.
Improved Navigation: Wireless access enables the deployment of location-based
navigation services that provide real-time directions and information on nearby points
of interest.
Location-Based Marketing: Wireless access enables location-based marketing and
advertising, providing businesses with a new way to reach customers.
Location-Based Emergency Services: Wireless access enables the deployment of
location-based emergency services, improving the speed and accuracy of
emergency response.
Challenges: At the same time, the widespread use of location-based services also
presents new challenges, such as privacy concerns and the need for regulatory
frameworks to govern the use of personal location data.
Overall, ubiquitous wireless access has revolutionized location awareness by
enabling the deployment of a wide range of location-based services and applications
that improve efficiency, convenience, and safety.

Exam Tip Questions

A scrap metal company wants to extend its business into the disposal of IT
equipment. Some of the company’s directors think they make most profit by
shredding everything and using a furnace to extract the metals that are then
sold. This is the shred and smelt system.
Others believe that they will make more profit by adopting a reuse and recycle
system that involves selling items and/or parts second hand.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a reuse and recycle system
compared to the shred and smelt system.
Your evaluation should include:
● environmental considerations
● data security implications
● your conclusion.
Responses should be in relationship to the context, advantages and disadvantages
of a reuse and recycle approach. Accept reverse arguments for the shred and smelt
approach. Environmental considerations
Advantages:
• less pollution from:
burning off plastics, etc. smelting waste waste / toxic gases
heavy metals mining of materials manufacture processes
Disadvantages:
• remaining material may be most polluting / difficult to dispose of
• reused items are often less (energy) efficient than newer ones
• smelted metals are available for new manufacturing, less mining etc. needed for
new items
• increased logistics increase transport pollution
Economic considerations
Advantages:
• new revenue sources such as:
resale of working / repaired items sale of spares
sale of consumables such as toner, paper
use / reuse of items within the company
Disadvantages:
• increased start-up costs, company will need to invest in new facilities and logistics
chains
• costs of compliance reporting, asset tracking, other documentation
Security implications
Advantages:
• few to none, shredding and smelting will destroy any data left on the IT equipment.
Disadvantages:
• legal obligations, e.g. data protection laws
• customer relations, need to secure-delete data
Conclusion
There is no preferred answer, candidates should support their conclusion with
arguments made. 12

A government is planning to develop a new beach resort. The resort will be

built near an existing fishing village. It will have accommodation for 3000
people. The fishing village has a population of 500.
The area has year-round sunshine but limited water resources. The village
residents are concerned about damage to their environment, especially
pollution of inshore fishing grounds.
The government claims that smart features in the resort will prevent any
environmental damage.
Evaluate how the use of information technology could have a positive impact
on environmental monitoring and efficient use of resources in this context.
Your evaluation should include:
· environmental monitoring ` · efficient use of resources
· your conclusion about the government’s claim.

Responses should be in relationship to the context; use of information technology

could have a positive impact on environmental monitoring and efficient use of
resources.
Environmental monitoring
• Water
◦ quality, acidity (pH), colour, dissolved oxygen, turbidity
◦ volume/flow, reservoir level, aquifer level, rainfall, metering
◦ waste, quality before and after treatment
◦ annual/seasonal cycles
• Temperature
◦ inside and outside temperatures ◦ heat island effects of new resort
◦ energy requirements for heating/cooling ◦ monitoring architectural effects
• Air quality
◦ CO2, NOX, particulates, traffic effects, emissions from new resort
• Fishery
◦ quality of seawater, temperature, salinity, pollution (e.g. sewage, run off from new
paved areas) ` ◦ fish stocks
Efficient use of resources
• Water
◦ desalination using solar ◦ reservoirs and water capture systems
◦ recycling and reuse ◦ conservation systems
• Solar
◦ photoelectric generation, metering, control systems, storage
◦ thermal for e.g. heating water
• Recycling
◦ heat, waste, water. Measuring quantities, monitoring systems
Conclusion
Might include:
• positive impact on environmental monitoring • efficient use of resources
• awareness/use of competing arguments
• comment on the government's claim that smart features will prevent any
environmental damage