The problem to be studied is the connection between ethical foundations and the challenges presented by information technology in today's high-intensity electronic environment today. The discussion focuses on the themes of societal ethical changes brought about by information technology, the ethical use of information and technology, and the development of a code of ethics surrounding these ethical issues. These topics are reviewed using the article by Brooks (2010, October) entitled The development of a code of ethics: An outline Class Approach to Making Connections between fundamental ethics and the challenges presented by information technology . Societal Ethical Changes Caused by Information Technology Information technology has greatly increased the ease of access to information for most of society on a largely unmonitored basis, resulting in the need for increased awareness of security, privacy and intellectual property protection. (Brooks, p. 2) Although it may seem that this topic has received more attention in recent years, Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility was founded in 1983 to address precisely these issues. (Brooks, p. 2) Moral crimes, including theft, lying, and cheating, are as prevalent in today's world of information technology as they are in real terms. (Brooks, p. 4) A 2008 online survey by the Josephson Institute found that a third of boys and a quarter of girls surveyed admitted to stealing in the past year. (Brooks, p. 4) This translates very well to the rampant downloading of proprietary or copied materials from websites. Illegal uploading and downloading of music became so prevalent that it almost felt like if you didn't do it... middle of paper ...... g electronic information: an ethical perspective . Information Management and Computer Security, 16(1), 20. Retrieved from http:search.proquest.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/docview/212329448?accountid=28180BPI. (2011) Commercial Music Piracy Retrieved from http://www.bpi.co.uk/our-work/protecting-uk-music/article/commercial-music-piracy.aspx.Brooks, R. (2010). Developing a Code of Ethics: An Online Classroom Approach to Linking Ethical Foundations to the Challenges Presented by Information Technologies. American Journal of Business Education, 3(10), 1. Payne, D. and Landry, B. (2005). Similarities in professional business and IT ethics: The need and development of a comprehensive code of ethics. Journal of Business Ethics, 62(10),73. Retrieved from http:search.proquest.com.proxy1.ncu.edu/docview/198033129?accountid=28180