The Web Watches and Remembers Everything: The Ethical Implications of Digital Footprints in SMEs Performance

Abstract

As a result of COVID-19 outbreak, the rapid digital transformation has drastically changed the way we work as individuals as well as the organisations. Our constant engagement online has become a natural phenomenon. Whenever we go online, we leave a trail of digital data behind us either actively or passively. For a common customer, employee or even an employer, issues regarding data protection and data security are challenging. For instance, who owns the Digital Footprint Data? Do the employees have the skills to protect customers' data online? How are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) handling the ethical issues around digital footprints? These are some primary questions SMEs are currently facing in the transition of digital transformation. These questions have profound ethical implications for SMEs' digital footprints during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond, which have been explored further in this study.

Citation

Tabaghdehi, S.A.H., Ayaz, O., Rosli, A., Tambay, P. and Mughal, W. (2024), "The Web Watches and Remembers Everything: The Ethical Implications of Digital Footprints in SMEs Performance", Tabaghdehi, S.A.H. and Foroudi, P. (Ed.) Business Strategies and Ethical Challenges in the Digital Ecosystem, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 307-318. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-069-420241013