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Ethical Use of Information

This guide is intended to provide information and guidance regarding the difference aspects of creating and using information in a responsible and ethical manner.

Ethical Use of Information

   “Another essential quality of leadership is integrity.  Without this, real leadership is not possible.  Nowadays, it seems like integrity – or honor or character – is kind of quaint, a curious, old-fashioned notion.  We read of too many successful and intelligent people in and out of government who succumb to the easy wrong rather than the hard right – whether from inattention or a sense of entitlement, the notion that rules are not for them.  But for a real leader, personal virtues – self-reliance, self control, honor, truthfulness, morality – are absolute.  These are the building blocks of character, of integrity – and only on that foundation can real leadership be built. "

United States Naval Academy Commencement Address

As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Annapolis, Maryland, Friday, May 27, 2011 

 

As the world of information has grown and continues to grow at an increasingly rapid rate, it has become more and more difficult to know how to create and use information in a responsible and ethical manner.  Questions about sharing or "mashing up" information, knowing when and how to cite sources of information, issues about copyright and fair use, and maintaining personal privacy are all complex and note easily answered.  This guide is intended to provide some guidance on these issues and to consolidate, where appropriate, USNA policies on the topics.