Abstract

The Internet has the potential to be the main conduit through which most of the world’s most important transactions flow. However, for this conduit to work effectively, people must have confidence that they can use the Internet safely and effectively. The development and sustaining of such confidence will necessitate the development of an Internet code of ethics. <p> We examine existing codes of ethics to find common themes which should be included in an Internet code of ethics. These common themes are examined and refined in the context of the Internet.</p><p> In this paper, we discuss the current state of Internet ethics, examine hindrances to the development and establishment of Internet ethics, and consider ways to facilitate the continuing development of Internet ethics.</p>