The Ethics of Information Operations
William E. Hutchinson · Australasian Journal of Paramedicine · 2008
The underlying objective of information operations (information warfare) is to achieve ‘information superiority’ over all perceived opponents. Achieving this can involve such activities as manipulating digital systems, deception, surveillance, propaganda, influence, psychological operations and data hiding. This paper will examine the positive and negative ethical implications of such practices. It posits that the end result and motives for these activities are paramount in determining the ethical outcomes. However, it also recognizes that ‘the end justifies the means’ has some dangerous implications.